A Milestone in Qaafiya’s Literary Journey
On Sunday, 7 June 2026, Qaafiya Bazm-e-Adab marked a significant milestone with Jashn-e-Qaafiya, a Grand Mushaira organised on the occasion of the organisation’s Second Foundation Day. Held at Burgundy Hall, Hotel Novotel Juhu Beach, Mumbai, the celebration brought together poets, performers, literature lovers and members of the Qaafiya community for an afternoon dedicated to the beauty and living tradition of poetry.
The event reflected Qaafiya Bazm-e-Adab’s continuing commitment to creating a welcoming platform for Urdu and Hindi literature, while also giving emerging voices an opportunity to share their poetry before a live audience.
Jashn-e-Qaafiya – More Than a Mushaira
The Second Foundation Day celebration was designed as a larger literary gathering rather than a single-stage poetry programme. The event featured a Special Poetry Open Mic, Qaafiya Ka Qaafila – Team Mushaira, and the Grand Mushaira, creating space for both new performers and established voices.
The Special Poetry Open Mic offered participants an approximately four-minute slot to present their work. Performers were also supported with event photographs and video coverage, while snacks and refreshments added to the community experience. The top three performers were recognised with an appreciation certificate and trophy at the end of the event.
Qaafiya Ka Qaafila – Celebrating Emerging Voices
A special segment, Qaafiya Ka Qaafila – Mushaira, brought together a diverse group of poets and performers. The segment highlighted the inclusive spirit of Qaafiya Bazm-e-Adab and its effort to encourage people from different backgrounds and generations to participate in poetry.
The participating poets and performers represented a broad range of voices, adding variety and energy to the celebration. Their presence reinforced the idea that a literary platform grows stronger when experienced poets and new voices share the same stage.
The Grand Mushaira
At the heart of Jashn-e-Qaafiya was the Grand Mushaira, where poets came together to share their poetry and connect with an audience of literature enthusiasts. The programme featured Qaafiya founders Zami Ansari and Irfan Shaikh along with a vibrant line-up of poets and performers.
The Grand Mushaira line-up included Zami Ansari, Irfan Shaikh, Manzoor Islam, Hemant Sharma, Sardar Ali Sayed, Zakki Khan, Osama Siddique, Lalit Modi, Nafis Shaikh, Manisha Singh, Bhagyashree Rajbhar, Qamar Shaikh, Moiz Kotdawala and Shabbir Surve.
A Stage for Poetry and Participation
One of the defining aspects of Jashn-e-Qaafiya was its emphasis on participation. Alongside the Grand Mushaira, the Special Poetry Open Mic featured a large group of performers, giving aspiring poets a chance to experience the stage and become part of the Qaafiya family.
Among the open-mic performers were Abhijeet Shetty, Lafreen Khan, Amjad Khan, Arshad Baig, Ehtesham Anjum, Faiyaza Ghazipuri, Javed Akhtar, Khushboo Soni Nair, Kundan Patidar, Manish Jitendra Kumar, Manju Sharma, Piyusha, Rahas Rashid Shaikh, Safdar Khan, Saifu Adam, Sana Patel, Shahzad Alam, Shoaib Amir, Tarique Anwar and Viraj Patil.
Founders at the Centre of Qaafiya’s Vision
The celebration also highlighted the vision and work behind Qaafiya Bazm-e-Adab. Founder Zami Ansari and Founder/Host Irfan Shaikh were prominently associated with the event, representing the organisation’s ongoing efforts to build a strong literary community and provide a meaningful stage for poetry and artistic expression.
A Celebration of Two Years of Literary Community
A foundation day is more than a date on the calendar—it is an opportunity to look back at the journey so far and look ahead to what can be created next. Jashn-e-Qaafiya carried that spirit through poetry, participation and community. The event celebrated the progress of Qaafiya Bazm-e-Adab while reaffirming its purpose of promoting Urdu and Hindi literature and encouraging new generations to engage with poetry.
From the first open-mic performer to the poets who took the Grand Mushaira stage, every voice added to the character of the celebration. Together, they made the Second Foundation Day a memorable chapter in Qaafiya Bazm-e-Adab’s literary journey.
Looking Ahead
Jashn-e-Qaafiya was not simply a celebration of what Qaafiya Bazm-e-Adab has achieved; it was also a reminder of the possibilities ahead. With continued open mics, mushairas, literary gatherings and opportunities for emerging poets, Qaafiya aims to keep creating spaces where poetry can be heard, shared and appreciated.
The Second Foundation Day Grand Mushaira stands as a reflection of that vision—a celebration where literature brought people together, established voices met emerging talent, and the spirit of Urdu and Hindi poetry took centre stage.
