Yasmin Kidwai On Celebrating Delhi's Cultural Legacy With Sufi Heritage Festival

In an age where the fast pace of urban life often overshadows tradition and heritage, the Sufi Heritage Festival (SHF) stands as a vibrant tribute to the timeless love, peace, and mysticism that Sufism offers. The festival, in collaboration with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, brings together music, poetry, storytelling, and crafts in a way that bridges the past and the present. Yasmin Kidwai, founder of the festival, reflects on how this cultural celebration not only honours Delhi’s deep-rooted history but also invites people of all ages and backgrounds to explore the city’s diverse fabric.

Delhi is now set to celebrate this legacy with its first-ever Sufi Heritage Festival set to take place at Sunder Nursery on March 8 and 9. 

The inception of SHF stems from Yasmin's deep love for Delhi, a city that she believes thrives on inclusivity, openness, and its secular spirit. “We wanted to create something that reflects the essence of Delhi—a city without borders, a place that welcomes all,” Yasmin shares. The idea took shape around Sufism, a spiritual tradition known for its universal messages of love and peace, as the perfect vehicle to showcase the city’s expansive heart.

She explains, “Delhi has such an amazing critical culture. Its people are diverse, and its spaces are open. Sufism, in its essence, is a reflection of that—an open, all-embracing form of spirituality.”

Understanding Sufism

For those new to the concept of Sufism, Yasmin describes it as a path centred on love for the divine, which ultimately manifests as love for all of creation. Sufism teaches that love is the solution to all problems, and it emphasises acceptance, peace, and non-judgment, she says. 

Drawing from the wisdom of the revered Sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya, Yasmin shares a beautiful story that embodies this message: "When someone asked him what the cure was for a problem, Nizamuddin replied, 'Love.' No matter how big the problem, the answer remained love."

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She reflects on how Sufism’s expansive nature allows individuals to interpret it in their own ways, ultimately guiding them to understand love and acceptance on a deeper level.

Fostering Cultural Preservation for the Future

Yasmin is deeply invested in the future of Delhi’s heritage, emphasising that the younger generation plays a critical role in nurturing and preserving the city's rich cultural legacy. “History and heritage cannot be preserved in isolation. The youth must move forward with it, interpret it, and make it their own,” she says. The SHF aims to do just that—allowing the youth of Delhi to engage with Sufism in a contemporary context, enabling them to reimagine and continue the traditions of the past.

The Festival Experience

At SHF, it’s not just about the performances but about creating an immersive cultural experience. “It’s about the whole experience,” Yasmin insists. “There’s art, music, dance, workshops, and even food. The festival isn’t confined to one stage—it’s a space for exploration, creativity, and learning.” With events like Bebaak, a celebration of spoken word and Sufi music, and Kargaah, an interactive space for calligraphy and storytelling, the Sufi Heritage Festival promises a rich tapestry of cultural experiences.

The festival also invites attendees to discover the crafts and flavours of Delhi with Dilli Ka Bazaar, a curated marketplace showcasing textiles, perfumes, and other handcrafted treasures, and Legacy Flavours, which offers a culinary journey through Old Delhi’s lost recipes.

Integrating Sufi Values into Daily Life:

When asked how the values of Sufism—love, peace, and mysticism—can be incorporated into daily life, Yasmin offers a simple yet profound answer: “Be non-judgmental. Give others the space to be themselves. Celebrate diversity.” She emphasises that by embracing acceptance and love, we can create more peaceful, harmonious communities.

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Yasmin humbly reflects on her journey, acknowledging that she is just a small part of a much larger effort to preserve and nurture Delhi’s heritage. “All I can do is help nurture it, honour it, and try my best to understand how extraordinary this city is. We must keep the spirit of Delhi alive by living its values every day,” she concludes.

As the Sufi Heritage Festival prepares for its debut, the essence of love, peace, and mystical beauty will continue to flow through every performance, every interaction, and every shared moment, inviting us all to celebrate the richness of Delhi’s past while embracing the future.