A Bangladeshi delegation led by musician Jahid Nirob had the honour of opening the prestigious Jahan-e-Khusrau Festival this year, marking a significant moment at the internationally acclaimed Sufi music gathering curated by eminent filmmaker Muzaffar Ali.

The festival was formally inaugurated by Kirti Vardhan Singh, while Bangladesh’s Ambassador to India, M Riaz Hamidullah, was also present at the event.

The delegation performed as the opening act and expressed pride in being part of the renowned festival, which celebrates Sufi music, culture, and spiritual traditions from across the world.

According to them, this marks the first time a full musical ensemble from Bangladesh has performed at the festival, adding a new dimension to its stage. “We performed our folk repertoire, beginning with Lalon Shah’s ‘Jat Gelo’. As we played, I noticed our Honourable Ambassador translating the song for the chief guest, which made the moment even more special. Jalal bhai and I sang it together, and it was beautiful to see Muzaffar Ali deeply enjoying the 5/5 groove of ‘Jat Gelo’,” said Jahid Nirob.

Held at the historic Purana Qila in Delhi, the festival’s setting added to its charm, blending centuries-old heritage with contemporary performances.

Ayesha Mousumi spoke about her performance, stating, “I performed the traditional song ‘Komolay Nitto Kore’, and my heart was filled with joy. Seeing the audience connect so deeply — many of them even dancing — made it an unforgettable experience for me.”

In addition to the performances, an exhibition is also being held at the venue. Traditional Bangladeshi Jamdani sarees drew significant attention from visitors, highlighting the country’s rich textile heritage alongside its cultural presence.

Published in Dawn, March 30th, 2026