Urdu poetry enthusiasts throng SIBF to savour the magic of mushaira
- Last updated: November 10, 2026 | 09:17
Raghib Hassan, Staff Reporter
The Intellectual Hall of Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) transported the audience to the bylanes of Delhi, Lucknow and Aligarh, where the fragrance of Urdu lingers in the air and walks alongside you at every step. Lovers of Urdu poetry flocked to the SIBF to listen to the poets and immerse themselves in the language, finding a sense of home in every verse.
The programme started with the launch of a Hindi translation of a sacred Indian book “Bhagavad Gita.” The UAE-based Indian poet Shadab Ulfat took the effort of translating “Bhagavad Gita” into a Devnagiri script. Late Dr Shanul Haq Haqqi had rendered the Sanskrit scripture into poetic Urdu verse, while Shadab converted Dr Haqqi’s Urdu text into the Devanagari script.
Speaking about his translation, he said, “Those who can read Hindi can also get a taste of the Urdu language in my book “Bhagwat Gita – Manzum Tarjuma.” I am sure it will reach a wider audience.” Shadaab also is the author of “Itrdaan.”
Another noteworthy book and a collector’s item, “Markaz-e-Mushaira,” authored by Ehya Bhojpuri, was unveiled at the event. The book documents the journey of mushaira (poetry gathering) held across the UAE from 1968 to 2026, over nearly six decades. Ehya has meticulously chronicled the journey of these poetry sessions, documenting the poets who have graced the gatherings over the years, as well as acknowledging everyone who has supported and contributed to keeping this literary tradition alive. Ehya also offered the audience some very interesting anecdotes in conversation with Dubai-based Indian poet Syed Aijaz Shaheen.
Dubai’s annual mushaira is a much-awaited event among Urdu poetry enthusiasts, who look forward to it every year. Given the event’s enduring popularity and cultural significance, “Markaz-e-Mushaira” is likely to become a cherished collector’s item for Urdu literature lovers across the UAE.
Shaheen captivated the audience with his crisp and engaging introductory remarks. Like a magician, the moment he began speaking, even the restless audience fell silent, their attention completely drawn to him. He then beautifully moderated an engaging conversation with Ehya for over 30 minutes, keeping the audience spellbound throughout.
Interestingly, both poets are engineers by profession, but their deep love for the Urdu language and literature is so profound that it leaves them sleepless. Their passion for Urdu goes far beyond their professional lives, reflecting a deep-rooted devotion to the language and its literary heritage. Speaking about the evolution of mushaira in the UAE, particularly in Dubai, Shaheen made an interesting observation: “After Delhi, Lucknow and Hyderabad, mushaira travelled to Lahore and Karachi, but it was in Dubai where it reached its zenith.”
He further remarked that Dubai has been instrumental in giving mushaira a global platform, from where the tradition continues to grow by leaps and bounds. “It would not be wrong to say that mushaira regained its lost glory after arriving in Dubai,” he added.
Praising Ehya, Shaheen remarked, “He has done a wonderful job by writing this book. It will take readers on a fascinating journey through the history and evolution of Urdu mushaira.” He was quick to add, “I also appreciate Bazm-e-Urdu for taking the initiative and steering this project right from day one.”
After expressing his gratitude to everyone who has helped him in bringing the book to fruition, Yahya said, “I never imagined that I would be able to write a book like this. It was beyond my imagination.” He also acknowledged and appreciated the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) alumni for their untiring efforts and unconditional support in making the project a reality. The event was organised by Bazm-e-Urdu, a Dubai-based organisation dedicated to promoting Urdu language and literature in the country.
The session came to an end with some wonderful poetry recitations by Muskan Syed, Shadab Ulfat, Ehya, Tabish Zaidi and Dr Sabahath Asim Wasti. The audience was treated to a delightful literary feast, as the poets enthralled them with their captivating verses, bringing the memorable evening to a fitting close.
The event was also graced by Shazia Kidwai and Syed Salahuddin, two passionate promoters of Urdu poetry who have been organising the mushaira in Dubai for many years. Their longstanding association with the mushaira tradition and their unwavering passion for Urdu literature have played an important role in keeping the literary culture alive and thriving in the UAE.
The 12-day SIBF takes place in Expo Centre Sharjah and features 1,500 cultural, creative and artistic activities, including literary discussions, author interactions, workshops, theatrical performances, the Thriller Festival and Cookery Corner. Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), the fair is hosting 3,212 publishers and exhibitors from 126 countries, showcasing more than 1.7 million titles.