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# Biggest annual Urdu language festival goes online
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/biggest-annual-urdu-language-festival-goes-online/
- Published: 2020-08-31T07:30:10.000Z
- Updated: 2020-08-29T10:48:00.000Z
- Description: Jashn-e-Rekhta (festival of Urdu language) that showcases the composite culture of South Asia is due to be hosted virtually from September 5-6 as it prepares for its sixth annual festival.
- Author: Contributor
- Tags: Arts, Dance, Exhibitions, Features & Longread, Music, News, Poetry, Previews, Theatre, Travel, Festival, India, London

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/jerfbcard.jpg)

The sixth annual **Jashn-e-Rekhta** (festival of Urdu language) which showcases the composite culture of **South Asia** is due to be hosted virtually from **September 5-6** . The event – which usually takes place in **Delhi, India** – was to be hosted in **London** for the first time, but due to the coronavirus pandemic organisers have made the decision to move to the web. It [promises](https://jashnerekhta.org.uk/?ref=YT&Cid-1) to be an immersive and interactive experience for attendees who can enjoy the two-day session from home.

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/janshs.jpg)

The festival will bring together 32 sessions of poetry, literature, music, dance and drama. Highlights include poets and lyricists **Javed Akhtar** and **Manoj Muntashir** who will host a discussion of films and Urdu poetry titled ‘Cinema – Kal aur Aaj’. A play ‘Miya, Biwi aur Wagah’ told through letters by the UAE based journalist duo **Amna Khaishgi** and **Ehtesham Shahid** will also be screened for the first time in the UK.

Sanjiv Saraf, founder of the **Rekhta Foundation** which has curated the world’s [largest collection](https://www.rekhta.org/?ref=scenemag.co.uk) of Urdu language poetry, said it is his goal to ‘spotlight everything the Urdu language has given to us’. He believes that ‘Urdu can express love in all its manifestations using the most beautiful symbolism’. It is the fourth main language in England and Wales and ranked third in the top 10 most spoken languages in London.

The full line up and tickets for **Jashn-e-Rekhta** can be found on its [official website](https://jashnerekhta.org.uk/?ref=scenemag.co.uk). The online events can be accessed from anywhere in the world.

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/rehkta-1.jpg)