Rehmat-e-Nusrat: An Evening of Qawwalis, Ghazals, and Sufi Music

From the sacred heights of Kumaon, Uttarakhand, a group of musicians brings you the thunderous whispers of Sufi devotion with powerful vocals coupled with a magnetic stage presence.

In homage to their guiding star, the incomparable late Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, the ensemble led by the vocalist and harmonium virtuoso Sarvjeet Tamta will sweep you off your feet as they breathe new life into the kalaams and bhajans of Amir Khusro, Baba Bulleh Shah, Meera Bai, and Kabir along with their original compositions. Let your spirit soar with the time-transcending verses ‘Man Kunto Maula’, ‘Bhala Hua Meri Matki Phooti’, and ‘Sanson Ki Mala Pe’ blessed by the divine mercy of the Qawwali legend.

Join us for an unforgettable evening where mysticism and melody converge with soul-stirring music.

Qawwali and Ghazal Traditions

Qawwali is a rich musical and spiritual tradition that emerged in India and Pakistan around the 13th century, deeply rooted in Sufism. This devotional music aids Sufi practitioners in attaining a direct, personal connection to the Divine through the power of sound and rhythm. Qawwali compositions are typically performed in a variety of languages, including Persian, Punjabi, Sindhi, and Urdu.

The ghazal is Closely related to Qawwali, a poetry and music genre with origins tracing back to 7th century Arabia. The ghazal expresses deep emotion through a series of verses, where the melodic and rhythmic patterns complement the flow of the poetic lines. Ameer Khusrow, the 13th-century Sufi poet, played a significant role in introducing the ghazal tradition to the Indian subcontinent, which then spread to various regions in different languages including Gujarati, Bengali, Marathi and Telugu.

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan - The Brightest Star in Qawwali

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, the legendary Pakistani Qawwali singer, was born into a family with a rich musical heritage that spanned centuries. His father, Ustad Fateh Ali Khan, and two of his uncles, Ustad Mubarik Ali Khan and Ustad Salamat Ali Khan, were all renowned Qawwali artists, and Nusrat learned the art form from his father from a young age.

Nusrat's rise to global fame began in the 1970s, but it was in the 1980s that he truly emerged as a phenomenon in the world music genre. His powerful and emotive Qawwali performances captivated audiences worldwide, and he was able to connect with people from all walks of life through the universal language of music. Nusrat was known for his commitment to making Qawwali accessible to all, and he was keen to spread the message of Sufism and the importance of love and understanding through his music. He collaborated with artists such as Peter Gabriel, Eddie Vedder, and Michael Brook, further expanding the reach of Qawwali and introducing it to new audiences.

To this day, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is celebrated and remembered as a true master of Qawwali. This legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians and listeners around the world.

Music Traditions in Kumaon and Gharwal Region of Uttarakhand

Music plays a major role in the social and cultural life of the people of Uttarakhand. Songs and dance moves are used to celebrate every month, occasion, and auspicious event. The Kumaon and Garhwal regions each have their special musical traditions that reflect the ancient richness of the state.

Uttarakhand's folk songs are divided into different groups based on their purpose, such as weddings, ceremonies, and festivals. Some common instruments used include the dhol, thali, dholki, turri, damoun, and harmonium. Well-known song groups include Bajuband (sung during the farming season), Chhopati (performed at festivals and fairs), Jagar (welcoming the arrival of spring), Basanti (also celebrating spring), and Mangal Geet (for weddings and holy ceremonies). Other notable folk music traditions include Churra, Khuded, and Mangal.

These musical traditions are an integral part of the cultural heritage of Uttarakhand, reflecting the region's deep connection to its history, customs, and natural environment.