On the afternoon of 20 September 2026, Virangula Kendra in Mira Road became a home for Urdu and Hindi poetry. Shaam-e-Qaafiya Mushaira, presented by Qaafiya Bazm-e-Adab, brought together poets from Aurangabad and Malegaon with poetry lovers from across Mumbai for an evening of ghazal, nazm, adab and heartfelt expression.
From the first sher to the last, the gathering lived up to its simple promise: Let Poetry Bring Us Together.
About Qaafiya Bazm-e-Adab
Qaafiya Bazm-e-Adab is a Mumbai-based literary circle devoted to keeping the mushaira tradition alive and open to everyone. It is led by founder Meem Jeem Ansari and founder and nazim Irfan Shaikh, who also conducted the evening's proceedings.
The Bazm's belief is simple: poetry belongs to the people. That is why audience entry to Shaam-e-Qaafiya was free, and why the stage welcomed both Urdu and Hindi voices, senior ustaad poets and newer names alike.
The Poets and Their Kalam
The heart of the evening was its Mehmaan Shayar, poets who travelled from different cities to share their finest kalamwith Mumbai's listeners.
From Aurangabad came Taufiq Aurangabadi, Amir Khan Aurangabadi and Imran Talib, while Malegaon was represented by Talib Akhi Maleganvi and Anees Aasi Maleganvi. Each of them brought a voice shaped by a different city and a different life.
Their kalam moved between romance and longing, between social reflection and the quiet wisdom that Urdu poetry carries so well. Several ashaar drew calls of "Mukarrar!" as listeners asked to hear them once more.
A Stage for Urdu and Hindi Voices
Shaam-e-Qaafiya was not only an Urdu mushaira. Qaafiya Bazm-e-Adab believes that Urdu and Hindi share one heart, and the programme reflected that belief.
Alongside the Mehmaan Shayar, the stage welcomed featured poets Zaureen Sadaf, Punam Khatri and Asad Hashmi. Invited poets Kusum Tiwari, Archana Jha, Sanjay Gupta, Ghazal Shaikh and KD. Saifee added their own colours, giving the evening a rich Urdu–Hindi character.
Our Distinguished Guests
The mushaira was presided over by Janab Hamid Iqbal Siddique as Sadar-e-Mushaira, with Janab Arif Mahmoodabadi as Sarparast. Their presence lent the evening its dignity and grace.
The gathering was graced by a distinguished group of Mehmaan-e-Khususi: Dr. Mustafa Punjabi, Janab Hirdesh Mayank, Janab Yusuf Diwan Sahab, Janab Yusuf Yalghar, Janab Rakesh Sharma, Janab Rashid Bashar and Janab Mustahsan Azm.
We were equally honoured by the presence of Janab Dr. Ahmad Raana, Janab Sayed Manazir Hussain, Mohtarma Jahanaara Shaikh and Dr. Zahida Hamid Iqbal Siddiqui. Their encouragement for the poets and their love for Urdu adab made the occasion truly special.
An Audience That Gave Its Heart
A mushaira is only as alive as its listeners, and Mira Road did not disappoint. Poetry lovers filled the hall from 2:00 PM onwards, and the daad never stopped: the applause, the spontaneous "Wah wah!", and the requests to repeat a favourite couplet.
That warm exchange between poet and listener is what makes a mushaira different from any other stage. At Shaam-e-Qaafiya, it turned a hall in Mira Road into a true mehfil.
A Heartfelt Thank You
Qaafiya Bazm-e-Adab thanks every poet, guest and listener who made Shaam-e-Qaafiya a memorable celebration of poetry and Urdu literature.
Special thanks go to the Qaafiya Team, whose hard work behind the scenes made the event possible: Hemant Sharma, Sardar Ali Sayyed, Manzoor Islam, Qamar Shaikh, Khushboo Nair, Nafis Alam Shaikh, Muhandis, Suhani, Manisha Singh and Sana Ilham.
Shaam-e-Qaafiya Mushaira was held on Sunday, 20 September 2026, from 2:00 PM onwards at Virangula Kendra, Indira Gandhi Hospital Building, 1st Floor, Above Library, Poonam Sagar Complex, Mira Road (E), Mumbai – 401107. It was organised by Qaafiya Bazm-e-Adab under the guidance of founder Meem Jeem Ansari and founder and nazim Irfan Shaikh.
We look forward to welcoming you to our next mehfil. Follow @qaafiyabazmeadab for upcoming mushairas and announcements.
Let Poetry Bring Us Together.
