After a decade-long hiatus, Tiruchi hosted an Urdu mushaira that drew poets and enthusiasts alike. Held as part of the Milad-un-Nabi celebrations, the event highlighted the cultural significance of Urdu in India.

  • Urdu mushaira returns to Tiruchi after 10 years
  • Scholars emphasize Urdu’s multilingual heritage
  • Event organized as part of Milad-un-Nabi celebrations

Event Overview

The Tiruchi Urdu Sangam organized a vibrant mushaira on Monday, bringing together poetry lovers from across the city. After a ten‑year gap, the gathering was revived as a segment of the Milad-un-Nabi programme, commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad.

Key Speakers and Performances

In his inaugural address, Nayeem‑ur‑Rahman, Vice‑Chairman of the Tamil Nadu Urdu Academy, lauded Urdu as a perfect illustration of India’s multilingual fabric and called for greater public engagement with the language. He praised both national and state initiatives that promote Urdu.

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Former JNU associate professor of Arabic, S.M. Munawwar Nainar, noted that Urdu’s vocabulary, along with many Indian languages, retains Arabic and Persian roots, symbolising unity in diversity.

Special invitees included former All India Radio and Doordarshan director Syed Rafeeq Basha and Mohamed Haneef Katib, General Secretary of the Muttahida Urdu Tanzeem Trust (Tamil Nadu).

Poets Shahid Madrasi, Asangani Mushtaq Rafiqui, Anwar Tirupaturi, Asangani Ashfaq, Imtiyaz Basha and Maahir Madrasi presented their compositions, while students from Garib Nawaz Academy performed Na’at (songs praising the Prophet).

Historical Background

The mushaira tradition dates back to the Mughal courts of the 18th century, where Urdu poetry thrived as a courtly art form. Though it spread to South India in the early 20th century, Tiruchi’s mushairas dwindled after the 1960s. This revival marks a significant cultural resurgence for the city.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that reviving Urdu literary gatherings in Tier‑2 cities like Tiruchi strengthens regional cultural ecosystems and encourages younger generations to engage with multilingual heritage, thereby fostering social cohesion.

"Urdu is not just a language; it is a living testament to India’s cultural unity," said Nayeem‑ur‑Rahman.
Did You Know?: The first recorded public Urdu poetry session in Tiruchi took place in the 1930s, making today’s event a continuation of a long‑standing tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: When and where was the mushaira held?
Answer: It was held on 24 August 2026 in Tiruchi, organized by the Tiruchi Urdu Sangam.

Question 2: Was there a specific theme for the event?
Answer: Yes, it was part of the Milad‑un‑Nabi celebrations honoring the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday.