Jashn-e-Rekhta Festival to Feature Ghalib’s Hologram in Dubai
Jashn-e-Rekhta, an annual festival that celebrates the Urdu language, will bring legendary poet Mirza Asadullah Baig Khan (popularly known as Ghalib) to life at its 2025 edition in Dubai. The event Dubai Urdu Festival Hologramwill feature a life-sized hologram of Ghalib, offering an amazing experience for his fans. The festival will take place on February 1-2 at Zabeel Park in Dubai.
About Ghalib: The Poet of Tragedy and Love
Born on December 27, 1797 in Agra, India, Ghalib was a famous poet in both Persian and Urdu. His poetry is known for its sadness, reflecting his tragic life. Ghalib lost his parents at a young age and suffered the loss of all seven of his children in infancy. Despite his hardships, he remains one of the most influential poets in both India and Pakistan.
The Highlights of Jashn-e-Rekhta 2025
Since its launch in 2015, Jashn-e-Rekhta has become a prominent event that celebrates Urdu’s rich culture and literature. This year, it will bring together around 100 artists, poets, and performers from India, Pakistan, and other countries.
Ghalib’s Hologram: Meet the Poet in Person
A major highlight of the festival will be the Ghalib Hologram, where a life-sized holographic image of the poet will appear. Ghalib will even narrate a two-and-a-half-minute speech, creating the feeling that he is attending the festival in person. Festival-goers will get the chance to “meet” Ghalib like never before.
Dial-a-Poet: A Unique AI Experience
Another exciting feature is Dial-a-Poet, an AI-powered rotary phone booth. Visitors can dial numbers assigned to famous poets like Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Jaun Elia, and Ahmed Faraz to hear their poetry through advanced AI voice cloning. This offers a unique and immersive way to experience the poets’ works.
Performances and Cultural Celebrations
The festival will also feature performances from Sufi qawwali groups, bands, and dance troupes. One standout performance will be by Piyush Mishra’s Ballimaaraan, which explores the cultural ties between Delhi and Lahore through music.
Urdu in Films: Panel Discussion with Celebrities
On the second day, the festival will host a panel discussion on Urdu in films, with prominent Pakistani actors Saba Qamar, Imran Abbas, and Adeel Hashmi. There will also be a session with Javed Akhtar and Zehra Nigah, discussing the relationship between films and Urdu literature.
Explore the Aiwan-e-Zaiqa Food Festival and Rekhta Bazaar
Additionally, visitors can explore the Aiwan-e-Zaiqa Food Festival and shop at the Rekhta Bazaar, which offers books and handicrafts celebrating Urdu’s artistic legacy.
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