Lose yourself in Sufi meditation bliss at Rumi Retreat
Titled Rumi Retreat, the programme spanning an entire day will be led by meditation master Siddiq Muhammad and Sufi musician and retreater Sameer Binsi.
'Mystic and poet Jalaluddin Rumi is known to the people of Kerala as an author. However, there is a Sufi path known by his name that is seldom discussed here. Rumi Retreat will perhaps be the first event of its kind in the country. Our order is modelled on the ones in the US,' said Siddiq.
There are many Sufi tariqas in Kerala that follow different paths. 'Ours is unique as there are no caste, gender or religious segregations. Anyone can join it and experience bliss,' he said. Siddiq said he was attracted to the verses of Rumi through the works of Guru Nitya Chaitanya Yati, who translated his work 'Masnavi' into Malayalam.
'Guru had stated that for 40 years, Rumi's book was with him everywhere he travelled. I learned the Persian language to understand the book in its original form and translated into Malayalam. For the past five years, I have been engaged in a programme called 'Masnavi Mananam' and have completed around 1,000 classes,' Siddiq said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
4 hours ago
- The Hindu
Delhi misunderstood fort at Tughlaqabad
'Don't visit Tughlaqabad Fort, it is cursed': That's the caution that has long surrounded the 700-year-old fort constructed by Ghiyasudding Tughluq, founder of Tughlaq dynasty. Nestled in the rocky terrain of the Aravali Hills, this vast fortress has become less a monument and more a relic wrapped in rumours of unexplained misfortunes passed down generations in hushed tones. While sites like Qutub Minar, Red Fort, and Humayun's Tomb enjoy spotlight and footfall, Tughlaqabad fort looks like a ghost town; under-visited, under-appreciated, and overwhelmingly misunderstood by a generation more familiar with Instagrammable tombs than silent ramparts. The legend of the fort's so-called 'curse' has run through centuries. Ghiyasuddin, who came to power in 1320 CE was eager to build a stronghold capable of withstanding Mongol invasions. But his ambition collided with the spiritual authority. The revered Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya was constructing a stepwell (baoli) for his community. When Tughlaq diverted labourers from the saint's project to speed up construction of his fortress, tensions escalated. The saint is believed to have uttered a curse: 'May it remain desolate, or inhabited only by shepherds.' Whether meant as divine warning or a moment of frustration, the words stuck over time. So did the myth turning Tughlaqabad into more of a cautionary tale than a piece of architectural history. Historian Prof. S. M. Azizuddin Husain challenges the version. 'Tughlaqabad was built for defence; There is no historical record of any curse affecting the fort. These stories emerged later, when the site was deserted and overgrown, and people began filling in the blanks with fantasy,' he says. With towering stone walls over 15 metres high enclosing a city-within-a-city complete with water reservoirs, granaries, elevated watchtowers, and escape tunnels, Tughlaqabad was a strategically designed forts of its time. 'Even later forts like Agra or Red Fort can't match the military logic of Tughlaqabad,' says Husain. 'Ghiyasuddin used the landscape intelligently building into the Aravallis, surrounding the complex with water bodies, and creating multiple lines of defence,' he adds. With its formidable design, Tughlaqabad was never breached in battle but politically sidelined. When Ghiyasuddin's son, Muhammad bin Tughlaq, shifted the capital to Daulatabad in the Deccan within a decade, the fort lost its importance. Later years, it was abandoned not destroyed. Ghiyasuddin's death, however, added fuel to the fire of myth. Returning triumphantly from a Bengal campaign, the Sultan was received with a grand wooden pavilion built in his honour which collapsed and killed him. The timing led many to recall another statement allegedly made by Nizamuddin: 'Hunooz Dilli door ast' — 'Delhi is still far away.' Was it a coincidence? A prophecy? Political theatre? No one can say with certainty. Heritage activist Sohail Hashmi sees the myth as a distraction from the real story. 'We love ghost stories because they're easier to remember than historical facts,' he says and adds, the feud between the Sultan and the saint was real but more political than mystical. 'Nizamuddin commanded an enormous public following. For a ruler used to absolute power, this was threatening. Their conflict was about influence and authority.' Husain cites a mehfil held within its walls where more than 400 scholars debated the permissibility of Sama (spiritual music). Hazrat Nizamuddin's arguments prevailed, and Qawwali was officially accepted in the Indian Sufi tradition. 'This one event alone makes the fort historically and culturally significant,' he says. 'It was not just a site of military brilliance, but of spiritual transformation.' Tughlaqabad today remains eerily empty when compared to the crowds at other monuments in the city. Whereas, the place is an opportunity to explore the expansive landscapes, uninterrupted skyline views, rugged architecture and birdsong echoing off stone walls. 'This should be a classroom under the sky, not a ghost town,' says Sohail. Mehrauli-Badarpur Road, near Govindpuri Metro station; 9am to 5pm; Entry Fee: ₹25 (Indian citizens), ₹300 (foreign nationals)
The Hindu
a day ago
- The Hindu
Thousands in Kerala offer ‘bali tharpanam' on Karkidaka Vavu Bali to honour ancestors and departed souls
Thousands of people honoured their dead by offering Karkidaka Vavu Bali in Kerala on Thursday (July 24, 2025). In an overt blending of modernity and religious tradition, hundreds, including senior citizens, women and children, thronged beachfronts, riversides, and bathing ghats under an overcast sky, revering their ancestors and the recently dead by making offerings of rice and flowers on banana leaves. Devotees offerring 'Bali' on the occasion of 'Karkidaka Vavu' at Shangumugham beach in Thiruvananthapuram. Balitharpanam is a ritual paying obeisance to the departed souls Photo: @ — The Hindu - Kerala (@THKerala) July 24, 2025 An army of priests guided the attendees through their motions, which also appeared to be a reassertion of life and remembrance over death. The belief that propitiating the souls of the dead on the new moon day of the Malayalam month of Karkidakam ensures salvation for the deceased and peace for the living is the central theme of the ritual. A large segment of people offered Karkidaka Vavu Bali at their homes. The Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Varkala Papanasam Beach, Thirumallavaram Temple in Kollam, Shanghumughom Beach and the Aluva Siva Temple are the critical focal points in the State for the festival. At several beaches, lifeguards and police officers prevented people from venturing into the waist-deep water due to the rough seas and inclement weather.
India.com
4 days ago
- India.com
How Local Markets In Hyderabad Turn Ordinary Shopping Into a Cultural Experience
As the Telangana capital Hyderabad exists as a historical and cultural urban center. Hyderabad showcases its iconic landmarks consisting of Charminar and Golconda Fort while simultaneously maintaining its vibrant municipal bazaar network which serves as its vital essence. The marketplaces around Hyderabad operate as much more than shopping destinations because they function as cultural centers that unite tradition and modernity to reveal the city's identity core. A Melting Pot of Cultures The markets of Hyderabad represent a diverse cultural mix due to its former roles as Qutb Shahi dynasty and Nizam royal capital. The traditional markets merge Persian, Mughal, Turkish together with local Deccani heritage through every architectural element and culinary dish that exists within them. Laad Bazaar is located near the famous historic landmark Charminar. Lad Bazaar began operating 400 years ago to become widely known for its distinctive pearl products and bridal clothes and lacquer bangles. Moving through Laad Bazaar produces an experience of historical transportation since its narrow shopping paths showcase traditional vendors selling homemade jewelry alongside textiles. The market successfully combines its historic appeal with modern preferences which draws crowds of both local residents and visitors alike. Visitors can explore Chowmahalla Palace Market which lies in the vicinity of Chowmahalla Palace while this site holds a prestigious UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Conservation Award status. Shoppers encounter various vendors selling antique items alongside vintage collectables and traditional artifacts throughout the areas that surround Chowmahalla Palace. The market allows visitors to acquire regal items and historical artifacts that preserve the royal heritage of Hyderabad. Culinary Delights at Every Corner A market exploration in Hyderabad requires experiencing its legendary culinary scene. Food epitomizes the city identity of Hyderabad thus local markets become ideal locations to experience genuine Hyderabadi cuisine. Charminar Market positions itself as a market for street food at the foot of the monument it bears its name. The most exceptional flavors in city meals come from the combination of hot Irani chai enjoyed with Osmania biscuits and traditional biryanis prepared in clay cooking pots. The dessert Qubani ka Meetha crafted from tangy apricots stands alone as a culinary hallmark of Hyderabad so many shops have embraced it for sale. Visit Shamshabad Market to discover authentic fresh goods and spices in a whole-foods marketplace. The market features both local farmers presenting their fresh produce with spice dealers who show off their aromatic merchandise. Customers can examine the traditional techniques of Hyderabadi cuisine during their visit to this market due to the deployment of premium spices like saffron, cardamom, and cloves. Artisanal Crafts and Handicrafts The marketplaces in Hyderabad protect the artistic heritage of the city. This marketplace provides the necessary platform which allows artisans to demonstrate their artistic abilities thereby keeping traditional craftsmanship alive during Hyderabad's urban development. Shoppers of handicrafts will find the Purani Haveli Market situated near the Purani Haveli museum complex. Visitors can explore multiple stalls at this market that display fine embroidered fabrics with Islamic-art-inspired leather goods and metalwork pieces. Hyderabad's artisanal heritage survives through products made with techniques that generations have conservationarily maintained. Alongside Begum Bazaar stands as the city's most ancient market which continues offering budget-friendly premium-quality items. The Nizams built this market during their reign to display brassware and wooden carvings as well as various other items. The streets of the marketplace entangle shoppers while skilled craftsmen work amidst the vendor sounds as they conduct business transactions because this marketplace represents modern Hyderabad's trading legacy. Modern Adaptations and Community Spirit Hyderabad's markets maintain their original purposes while adapting their merchandise selection to fit the needs of contemporary consumers. Modern boutiques together with tech stores combine with traditional book dealers to form the present-day business environment at Abids Market. The traditional spirit of the community persists in the markets while shopkeepers continue to recognize their regular customers by their names. The Hitech City Flea Market operates at the strategic location of Hyderabad's IT district. People can experience flea market ambiance while enjoying ease of current shopping needs at this weekly event. Multiple vendors who display handmade products as well as organic edible goods draw both working young individuals and family groups seeking exclusive finds. Conclusion The local markets in Hyderabad serve as the city's vital force because they reflect all aspects of its historical heritage together with its cultural background and its innovative qualities. Each visit to Laad Bazaar and Charminar Market allows you to discover additional elements that make up the heart of Hyderabad. These areas function beyond commercial functions because they serve as historic collections of human narratives and communal unification spaces and cultural testimonies.
