Special Lecture on the “Eid and Other Indian Festivals in Urdu Literature”

The Department of Urdu, Faculty of Languages, Khaja Bandanawaz University, Kalaburagi organized an online lecture titled “Eid and Other Indian Festivals in Urdu Literature” on 16^th March 2026. Teachers, research scholars, and students from Ladakh, Chennai, Bihar, Delhi, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Assam, and other states (More than 50 participants) participated in the program.

The program was organized under the supervision of Professor Nishat Arif Husaini, Dean of the Faculty of Languages.

On this occasion, Professor Khaja Mohammad Ikramuddin (Centre for Indian Languages, JNU, New Delhi) delivered an insightful lecture. He said that Urdu literature beautifully describes festivals like Eid, Diwali, Holi, and many others. He also analyzed selected literary works—both poetry and prose—that are described in Urdu Literature. He added that the tradition of mentioning festivals in Urdu literature reflects the colorful nature of Indian society and its Composite cultural values.

Well-known writer and scholar Professor Ghaznafar Ali from Aligarh, in his presidential address, presented a historical and literary overview of the tradition of festivals in Urdu literature. He said that in Urdu poetry and prose, not only Eid but many other festivals are described in a rich and meaningful way. This shows that the Urdu language has always represented Indian culture. He also mentioned that modern writers continue to write about Indian culture and festivals.

During the Question answer session, Research Scholars and Students asked several questions, which were answered in detail by the speakers. The question-and-answer session made the program more meaningful interesting and academically valuable.

Dr. Deshmukh Afshan, Dr. Manzoor Dakhni, Dr. Tayyab Kharadi, Asrar Mohammad Jameel, Hamid Khan, Dr. Shamsheer, Tayyab Furqani, Dr. Nusrat Minoo, Aslam Rahmani, Dr. Kausar Parveen, Dr. Qasim Akhtar, Faheemuddin, Dr. Abrar Ahmad Ijravi, Zabih-ul-Qamar, Dr. Nisar, Montazir Alam, Dr. Mushtaq Suharwardi, Sartaj, Nasreen Fatima, Dr. Javed Akhtar, and others. From the Department of Urdu, visiting professor Abdul Hamid Akbar, Dr. Maimoona Begum Sardagi, Dr. Shehbaz Arshad, Dr. Atiullah, Dr. Abdus Samad, and Dr. Rayeesa Nasreen also participated.

Research Scholar of the Urdu Department Hafiz Mohammad Mohsin recited verses from the Holy Quran at the beginning. Dr. Athar Moezuddin, Assistant Professor of Department of Urdu anchored the programme.