The timeless River Thames bore witness to a historic moment in Urdu literary history as Haraval International brought Lahore’s poetic soul to London with its inaugural Jashn-e-London International Mushaira.
Held at the Church of Scientology’s elegant community hall, the evening was a tribute to the classical dignity of Mushairas, blending tradition with the diverse voices of the Urdu-speaking diaspora.
Presided over by the legendary Dr Khurshid Rizvi, one of Urdu’s greatest living poets and an esteemed Arabic scholar, the Mushaira marked a turning point in London’s literary landscape. The line-up featured literary luminaries such as Dr Saadat Saeed, known for his modernist nazms; Dr Nisar Turabi, revered for his philosophical depth; Rehana Qamar from California, with ten poetry collections to her name; and Almas Shabi, a US-based poet and broadcaster acclaimed for her Urdu and Punjabi verse.
Organised by Haraval International’s founder, Ali Arman—a poet in Urdu, Punjabi, and Pothohari—the event was compered by Nottingham’s Zainab Bukhari, who also recited her own verses. Attendees were welcomed with tea, coffee, and the scent of the Thames breeze, setting a warm, inclusive tone that carried through the night.
The Mushaira showcased a mix of emerging and established voices: from Hasan Ali, Muzammil Abbas Shajar, and Rabi Safdar’s vibrant openings, to powerful recitations by Sarfraz Tabassum, Ameen Kunjahi, and Dr Asim Khurshid. Veteran poet Arshad Latif, a stalwart of London’s Urdu scene, and Iftikhar Qaiser, returning to the Mushaira stage after years, added gravitas to the gathering.
A defining hallmark of the evening was the commanding presence of women poets—a reflection of the evolving and inclusive landscape of British Urdu literature. In addition to hosting duties, Zainab Bukhari, a stalwart of Nottingham’s literary scene for over two decades, was joined by Rahat Zahid from Glasgow, Syeda Kausar of the Dhanak forum, and Najma Usman, a senior poet whose travelogue was recently published.
Gulnaz Kausar added a burst of creative freshness to the already rich poetic lineup. The evening reached its peak when Dr Nisar Turabi and Dr Saadat Saeed captivated the audience with their deeply philosophical poetry, paving the way for the climactic moment: the standing ovation for Dr Khurshid Rizvi.
The Mushaira concluded with refreshments at the Church’s modern reception hall and a late-night dinner at the iconic Lahore Kebab House. Over kebabs and kheer, poets continued their exchange, extending the warmth of the Mushaira well into the night. As one guest noted, “For a few hours, London truly became Lahore.” Alternatively, as Ali Arman put it in verse: “Us ne deewana behertaur bana rakha hai, Main ne London ko bhi Lahore bana rakha hai.” Haraval International’s Mushaira has not only revived tradition—it has promised its proud return.