Latest news with #HazratNizamuddinAuliya
Indian Express
18-07-2025
- Indian Express
‘Vindication of law': Relief as Delhi HC quashes charges against 70 in Tablighi Jamaat Covid case
A narrow lane towards the dargah of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya first leads to a tall nondescript white building before twisting towards the tomb of the famous Sufi saint. On Thursday evening, as scores of tourists and visitors flocked to the dargah for its famous Qawwali performance, a smaller, more somber group of men assembled in front of the tall white building, awaiting the time for the evening prayers. This is the Nizamuddin Markaz, also known as the Banglewali Masjid Markaz. Five years ago, the building was at the centre of a storm after the Tablighi Jamaat was accused of spreading Covid by organising an international congregation in Delhi. On Thursday, the Delhi High Court quashed charges in 16 FIRs and chargesheets filed in related cases involving 70 Indian citizens. The atmosphere at the Markaz remained almost nonchalant after the verdict. 'We are God's people. We don't bother with what happens on this earthly plane, we only care about what happens before life and after death,' said one person who wished to remain unidentified. In March 2020, a series of gatherings had been organised at the Markaz by the Jamaat. Over 3,000-odd people gathered at the mosque for the month-long events, with people coming from across the country and the world. However, on March 13, the Delhi government passed an order saying that gatherings of over 200 people for sports events, conferences and seminars will not be allowed due to the growing fears of the Covid-19 pandemic. By then, hundreds of people had already reached the Markaz and were accommodated inside. By the time the Janata Curfew was declared on March 22, the Markaz was in utter chaos over where to move the hundreds of people stuck inside. However, a day prior to the Janata Curfew being declared, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had already drawn up a list of 800 foreigners associated with Tablighi activities across the country. According to the MHA, it had received information of a Tablighi-associated Covid patient in Telangana by March 18. What followed was a rush to track all those who had congregated at Nizamuddin and spread out into the country. Medical screening of those at the Markaz started only on March 26, after the death of a Tablighi-associated Covid patient in Telangana. When the Delhi government eventually released its Covid health bulletin, it made a separate section indicating how many participants of the Tablighi gathering had tested positive. By March 30, the then Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal had ordered an FIR against the organisers. The 70 named as accused across 16 FIRs were charged primarily under sections of the IPC, including criminal conspiracy, for allegedly accommodating foreign nationals in mosques and their homes during the pandemic from March 24-30, 2020. The FIRs had also listed 195 foreign nationals but they were not named as accused in most chargesheets — the magistrate court did not take cognizance of the remaining chargesheets on the principle of double jeopardy. Fuzail Ayyubi, who represented 44 attendants of the Tablighi in the Supreme Court, said, 'When amidst a pandemic that no one understood, an entire body of individuals was criminalised as being 'super-spreaders' and prosecuted criminally, we were able to see through the facade and know that no criminality could be attached at all. Today's judgment is a vindication of that belief in law and courts' adjudicatory role…'
India.com
21-06-2025
- India.com
Explore Delhi Off The Beaten Path: Unique Neighborhood Walks To Try!
Delhi, India's bustling capital, is known for its iconic landmarks, grand monuments and noisy markets. However, beyond what tourists visit lies a goldmine of neighborhoods filled with life, culture and stories. Strolling through these unexplored parts of Delhi is the best way to experience Delhi like a local. Let's explore seven exceptional neighborhoods that best show the hidden beauty of Delhi. 1. Majnu Ka Tilla: Little Tibet in Delhi Also known as Tibetan Colony, Majuna ka Tila is a colorful enclave that acts as a slice of Tibetan culture. Begin your walk through the narrow lanes filled with cozy cafes, bookstores and shops serving Tibetan artifacts. The area boasts of fluttering prayer flags in the wind, and the exquisite smell of momos and thukpa blends beautifully in the air. Head over to the Buddhist monastery for a peaceful escape from the bustling neighborhood. Highlights: Tibetan handicrafts, monastery sights, and incredibly mouth watering authentic Tibetan food. Local Tip: Try butter tea from Cafe AMA. 2. Mehrauli Archaeological Park: Where Nature Comes Together with History Mehrauli Archeological Park provides a historical stroll in a green area away from all the people at Qutub Minar. The park has several monuments from different periods like the Jamali Kamali Mosque, Rajon Ki Baoli (a stepwell), and Metcalfe House. This area very well combines the panorama of the ancient world with that of the modern city. Strolling around here is akin to traveling back in time. Highlight: More than 100 notable buildings, unnoticed stepwells, hidden in the thick of the woods, and numerous pathways through the forest. Local Tip: Early morning visits are recommended. 3. Hauz Khas Village: The New Thing within the Old Thing Hauz Khas Village is simply a mix of modern sophistication and middle age charm. Start your walking tour from the core of the village around the 14th century Hauz Khas Fort and lake, then further browse the streets with many art galleries, souvenir shops, and cafes. It opens an example of how modern life lives with the past in Delhi. Highlight: Ruins of the fort, a beautiful peaceful lake, and modern cafes. Local Tip: I would recommend the Social café to see the lake from the rooftop. 4. Nizamuddin Basti: Spiritual and Cultural Heritage The Nizamuddin Basti area is a center for spirituality that captures the essence of Sufi traditions in Delhi. Begin your walk at the tomb of one of the most respected Sufi saints, Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya. Indulge in soulful Qawwalis on Thursday evenings. While walking through the streets, you will see Mughal tombs, heritage houses, and restaurants that serve traditional Mughlai food. Highlights: Nizamuddin Dargah, Mughlai cuisine, and Humayans tomb which is just a few steps away. Local Tip: Have a serving of Kebabs at Ghalib Kabab Corner or Karim's. 5. Champa Gali: A Hidden Artistic Alley This hidden alley in Saket is filled with coffee shops, boutiques, and art studios. Champa Gali is a perfect place for casual walks as it encourages you to absorb the creativity around you. This alley is loved by the locals for its unique beauty and artistic charm, making it a hidden treasure. Local Tip: Try Blue Tokai Coffee for an excellent brew. 6. Chandni Chowk's By-Lanes: Off the Beaten Track Chandni Chowk not only comprises deftly marked streets and landmarks such as the Red Fort, but also feature by-lanes that encompass the heart of Old Delhi. Stroll along the narrow Paranthe Wali Gali, Kinari Bazaar (a favorite for wedding jewelry), and Dariba Kalan (the jewelry street). These by-lanes are a literal mazy trail which will mesmerize you with sights and smells like none you have ever experienced before. Highlights: Street culinary delights, wholesale markets, and architectural wonders. Local Tip: Come in the early morning for a quieter time. 7. Sanjay Van : The Urban Forest in Delhi If you want an escape from the hustle of the city, then Sanjay Van is your respite. This broad national park in Vasant Kunj is a place for nature lovers. As you walk through the trails and admire flora, you may also come across peacocks, jackals, and various birds. The park also contains the remains from the times of the Sultanate of Delhi, so there's some history to enjoy as well. Highlights: Thick forests, animal sightings, and ancient ruins. Local Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and bring along some moisture for your hike. Advice for Walking Around Delhi: Know What Times to Go: Late afternoon and early morning times are the most suitable for leisurely strolls. In these times, the sun is not at its full blaze and walking around is comfortable. Wear loose and breathable clothing as well as sturdy shoes if you plan on taking long walks. Keep a water bottle with you at all times, especially during summer. Show some courtesy: Some places like Nizamuddin Dargah mandate traditional clothing as a sign of courtesy. Local Guides: For heritage walks, you may consider buying the services of a local guide for detailed explanations. Delhi offers offbeat neighborhoods that showcase a completely new perspective of the city. Once you step off the beaten tourist path and begin to enjoy the vibe, there is a lot of culture, history, and hospitality enriched in Delhi. So put on your walking shoes, and prepare yourself to discover the heart of Delhi like a local.
Hindustan Times
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Barnali Chattopadhyay: 'When I sing Sufiana kalaam, I forget my gender'
From your vast repertoire, why did you choose to sing the poems of Amir Khusrau during your concert at the Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF) in Jodhpur? I am in love with Mehrangarh Fort, especially the Zenana Courtyard where the evening programmes of Jodhpur RIFF are hosted. The last time when I performed on this stage, I focused on thumri — a part of my musical repertoire that is really special to me because I learnt from Girija Deviji and Shobha Gurtuji, who were the queens of thumri. The ambience of this performance space helps me connect with God, so I thought that there could be nothing better than to present the Sufi poetry of Amir Khusrau, who is much loved and respected for the greatness of his devotion to his master Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya. What drew you to the poetry of Amir Khusrau? When I read his poetry, the first thing that struck me was his tremendous love for his guru. He went to such great lengths to serve his teacher. He left no stone unturned. I was deeply moved by that. In the poems that he addressed to Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, I can feel not only the passion of Amir Khusrau's bhakti (devotion) but also a heightened sense of shringaar (adornment and beauty) and the pain of viraha (separation and longing). All these qualities, which are present in abundance in his writing, attracted me to his poetry. I am a very spiritual person myself, so I can connect with his words from the depth of my soul. I feel blessed to be able to sing his verses, and share their richness with people who come to listen. How did you prepare yourself? I like to research before I sing because every song has a profound meaning and significance. I need to immerse myself so that I can present it with the right mood and flavour. Without this kind of preparation, the song does not become part of you. You have to feel it, live it, embody it, and then share it. This does not happen overnight. It takes effort. Lovers of Khusrau's poetry often pay their respects at the dargah in Delhi where he lies buried close to Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya. Is this something you like to do as well? Yes, of course! It is a special place that cannot be described in words. You have to just go there, and feel the presence and the vibrations. Apart from visiting the dargah, I have also been going to Delhi to sing at the Jahan-e-Khusrau World Sufi Music Festival, which is organized by Muzaffar Ali who has done a lot of work to promote Sufi music in our country. Growing up in a Bengali family, how did you learn to appreciate Khusrau whose poetry is a blend of Farsi, Hindavi, Urdu, Brajbhasha, Awadhi, and other languages? You are right. I was raised in a family that mainly spoke Bengali. But my maternal grandfather was a zamindar. He was very interested in music, so he used to invite and host a lot of musicians from Lucknow quite regularly. The respect that he, as a patron, gave these artists influenced me right from the time that I was a child. I started learning very early, at the age of three, and I grew interested in the sounds of Awadhi, Farsi, Urdu and other languages. Which Bengali poets address themes similar to what one finds in Khusrau's poetry? I would say Rabindranath Tagore and Lalon Fakir. Their poetry is deeply spiritual. Shemeem Burney Abbas, who has written a book called The Female Voice in Sufi Ritual: Devotional Practices of Pakistan and India, talks about how 'male singers assume the female voice' when they sing Sufiana kalaam. What are your thoughts on this? All I can say is that, when I sing Sufiana kalaam, I forget my gender. I sing from my soul, from a space where labels and classifications cease to matter. The power of this poetry lies in pushing us to think about the question 'Who am I?' in a much more meaningful way. Do you feel concerned about the dilution of Sufi music, thanks to Bollywood? Yes, singing in a loud and powerful voice does not make a song Sufi. There is something sacred about Sufiana kalam. You have to internalize it. You cannot pretend. Let us talk about Abida Parveen for a moment. She is so intense but there is not even the slightest hint of showing off. You have to quieten down and listen first, then sing. That's how it works. Would it be accurate to say that you see music as your sadhana (spiritual practice)? Absolutely! My musical training has been a tapasya. I have learnt not only from Girija Deviji and Shobha Gurtuji but also from Haider Bakshji, Purnima Chaudhariji and Kumar Prasadji. My music is what it is because of my gurus, their grace and their kindness. Could you share anecdotes from the time you spent with Girija Deviji in Banaras? When you learn in the guru-shishya parampara (tradition), your learning is not restricted to music. You learn lihaaz (deference) and tehzeeb (etiquette). You learn how to sit, stand, walk, eat and speak. She taught us to have a bath using a single bucket of water. To avoid any waste was an important lesson that I learnt from her. We ate what was given to us by the guru. We did not ask for more. We learnt to control our greed. This kind of discipline prepares you to understand what Khusrau Sahab means when he sings about his guru. And what was it like to be Shobha Gurtuji's student? She was very strict and very affectionate. She knew how to strike a balance. Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Netflix show Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar (2024) received mixed reviews but your playback singing for Aditi Rao Hydari was appreciated by everyone. How was the experience of singing Phool gendwa na maaro and O Saiyan hato jaao for an OTT platform, as compared to performing for a live audience? Working with Sanjayji was a brilliant experience. I am grateful that my work has been appreciated by people of all age groups. I will not deny that there is a difference between recording in a studio and performing in front of a live audience. On the stage, you can sing more freely. You can explore a raag for a longer duration. That is not possible when you are singing for a show. You are bound by time constraints. The medium is different. I am open to both kinds of opportunities, and to all the love that my listeners shower on me. Chintan Girish Modi is a Mumbai-based journalist who writes about books, art and culture. He can be reached @chintanwriting on Instagram and X.
