30 poets gather at Baba Paayam-ud-Din Reshi shrine for an evocative night of Kashmiri verse
KD NEWS SERVICE
SRINAGAR, August 11: The timeless voice of Kashmiri poetry found a resonant setting at the shrine of Hazrat Baba Paayam-ud-Din Reshi (RA) as the Kruhen Cultural Forum Kreeri hosted a grand Shabana Mushaira, bringing together around 30 poets in an evening devoted to verse, culture and the enduring strength of the Kashmiri language.
Held in the spiritually charged surroundings of the revered shrine, the literary gathering stretched well beyond midnight, holding the audience spellbound with a succession of poetic recitations. Far from being merely a traditional literary programme, the Mushaira emerged as a powerful celebration of Kashmir’s linguistic and cultural inheritance.
The gathering brought together established poets as well as other literary voices, creating a common platform where different poetic styles, experiences and perspectives converged. The evening demonstrated that Kashmiri poetry continues to command a devoted audience and remains deeply connected with the cultural consciousness of the people.
The Mushaira was presided over by eminent poet Ghulam Qadir Shaad Dardpuri, whose literary stature added distinction to the occasion. Shabnam Tilgami, General Secretary of Adbi Markaz Kamraz, attended as the chief guest.
Among the prominent personalities present were Roshan Qamar, Shamim Ahmad Shamim and Sanaullah Shaukal, besides several other noted figures associated with Kashmiri literature and cultural activity.
The proceedings were conducted by Sharief Hussain Qadri, whose anchoring maintained the rhythm of the programme and ensured a smooth transition between the participating poets.
Welcoming the guests and participants, Forum President Syed Shamim Ahmad Shamim spoke about the importance of preserving and promoting the Kashmiri language and its rich poetic tradition. He also conveyed the Forum’s commitment to creating platforms where poets and literary enthusiasts can engage directly with one another and keep the tradition of Kashmiri verse vibrant.
The poetic session featured a wide range of voices. Among those who recited their poetry were Syed Shamim Ahmad Shamim, Syed Sharief Hussain Qadri, Sarwar Hashmi, Dilbar Wanigami, Roshan Qamar, Chaan Rahman, Arsalan Mushtaq, Aabid Ashraf, Ghulam Hassan Darwaish, Rashid Roshan, Shabnum Tilgami, Dr Irshaad Fida, Fazil Muqaami, Rafiq Tahir Kawchaki, Bilal Sultan, Haroon Rashid, Janaan Altaf, Sanaullah Shaukal, Ghulam Qadir Shaad Dardpuri, Mumtaz Rashid, Mehrajuddin Shakoor Muqami, Mohiuddin Dilawar, Mumtaz Hamdani, Showkat Showkeen, Syed Tasaduk Danish, Ghulam Rasool Gamgeen, Showkat Tilgami and Syed Jehangir Bukhari.
The recitations drew sustained appreciation from the audience, with several performances being greeted by prolonged applause. The combination of poetic expression and the tranquil setting of the shrine gave the evening an atmosphere that was both literary and contemplative.
As the hours passed, the gathering showed little sign of losing its momentum. The Mushaira continued beyond midnight, with the audience remaining engaged throughout the lengthy programme. The response reflected not only appreciation for the participating poets but also the continuing emotional connection of people with Kashmiri poetry.
For the Kruhen Cultural Forum Kreeri, the event represented a wider cultural mission. At a time when changing lifestyles, digital entertainment and the growing dominance of global languages are reshaping cultural habits, such gatherings provide an important space for the preservation of Kashmiri literary expression.
The Forum’s initiative also highlighted the role that community-based cultural organisations can play in keeping regional languages and literary traditions relevant. By bringing senior and contemporary poets together before a live audience, the Mushaira created a bridge between established literary traditions and newer generations of readers and listeners.
The choice of the shrine of Hazrat Baba Paayam-ud-Din Reshi (RA) as the venue further underlined the longstanding relationship between spirituality, language and artistic expression in Kashmiri society. Across generations, poetry has occupied an important place in the region’s cultural and spiritual life, and the Mushaira reflected that continuing connection.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Forum President Syed Shamim Ahmad Shamim, who reiterated the organisation’s resolve to work for the preservation and promotion of the mother language and the rich poetic heritage associated with it.
As the final recitations gave way to the quiet of the night, the gathering left behind a message extending beyond the walls of the shrine: Kashmiri poetry is not simply an inheritance from the past. It remains a living tradition, capable of bringing people together, carrying collective memory and giving contemporary expression to the emotions and experiences of Kashmir.
