Jashn-e-Adab Festival: Celebrating Literary and Cultural Heritage in Lucknow

On June 3rd and 4th, 2024, Jashn-e-Adab society organized Jashn-e-Adab Festival Sahityotsav at the Hotel Hyatt Regency in Lucknow. The event turned out to be an enriching experience for all the attendees as it celebrated the rich literary, cultural and artistic heritage of Lucknow.

The audience for the Sahityotsav event in Lucknow ranged from young teens, college students to a diverse range of audience from art lovers. The wide range of audience cutting across age groups and preferences reflected how today’s young minds want to learn and capture their roots to the best.  This spoke well of the festival’s broad appeal.

Literary Sessions at Jashn-e-Adab Festival, Lucknow

The festival was brimming with activities designed to engage and inspire.

Day 1 commenced with an inaugural address by the Hon’ble Justice Rajesh Chauhan

(Judge High Court, Lucknow Bench), followed by a play ‘Katghare mein Ghalib’, a panel discussion with renowned actor Piyush Mishra, actor Manu Rishi Chadha and Creative Director and personalities Surya Mohan; Kavi Sammelan and Mushaira chaired by renowned poet Prof. Waseem Barelvi. Other notable poets included Padma Shri Surendra Sharma, Padma Shri Prof. Ashok Chakradhar, Farhat Ehsas, Jamuna Upadhyay, Azm Shakiri, Quaiser Khalid-IPS, Dr. Bhawana Srivastava, Naina Soni, Kapil Sahar”(IRS), Kunwar Ranjeet Chauhan, Col. Gautam Rajrishi and Abhishek Shukla – Lucknow’s popular poet.

Day 2 started off with an engaging round of Bait Bazi followed by Sheri nashisht and a discussion on Cinema OTT by renowned actor Amit Sial, Faisal Malik and Manu Rishi Chadha in conversation with Kanak Rekha Chauhan.

Cinema Aur OTT Ke Liye Avsar Aur Seemayein

These sessions not only entertained but also provided deep insights into the vast world of Indian literature and culture. Renowned poets and writers from across the country took the stage, sharing their work and participating in stimulating discussions. These interactions left the audience asking for more as they offered literature enthusiasts a unique opportunity to delve into the creative minds of some of the most influential figures in the literary world.

Musical and Artistic Performances at Jashn-e-Adab Festival, Lucknow

In addition to literary events, Jashn-e-Adab featured a variety of musical and artistic performances.

Day 1 included a ghazal performance by Pradeep Ali followed by a Kathak Exponent and an instrumental performance by Padma Shri Dr. Yash Gulati.

Day2 consisted of an Ishq Sufiyana by Swami Manas Das Ji Maharaj and the evening culminated with a Sur-Sandhya by Renowned Hindustani Vocalist Padma Bhushan Pt. Sajan Mishra. These performances highlighted the diverse cultural heritage of India, bringing traditional art forms to life. Artists from various genres performed, creating a dynamic and vibrant atmosphere that embodies the essence of Lucknow. These musical and dance performances not only entertained but also made the audience feel a strong connection with the cultural roots of the city.

Jashn-e-Adab (Sahityotsav) is a society for poetry and literature, established in 2012 to promote and preserve the literary heritage of the Hindi and Urdu languages through the Jashn-e-Adab festival.

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Author: Amaira Khullar

Amaira Khullar is a Grade 12 student interning at Lucknow Pulse. She has a keen interest in writing, photography and poetry. Amaira has a desire to learn about the cultural heritage of Lucknow. Deeply connected to her cultural roots, she is eager to give back to society.