The Alami Urdu Markaz Jeddah, a voluntary group, aims to promote amity and friendship among Urdu-speaking people. The group is headed by Athar Abbasi.
Noted Pakistani poets who participated in the mushaira were Amjad Islam Amjad, Tariq Sabzwari, Mohsin Changezi and professor Enayat Ali Khan. Local poets included Nayeem Bazitpuri, Nasim-e-Sehar, Qamar Haider Qamar, Mohsin Alvi, Aftab Turabi, Shuakat Jamal, Anwar Ansari, Athar Abbasi and Mukhtar Ali. Amir Khurshid anchored the poetry session.
Over 1,000 people listened to poets for almost five hours under the soft lights of the PISJ auditorium. The audience burst out with a congratulatory “” (encore) and clapping when poets skillfully used rhythmic meter in their verses.
Ghazal, the traditional genre of Urdu poetry, was the main feature of the session, and this genre was recited by all poets. There may be new trends in singing, but its form is not dying. It is everlasting. However, performance poetry, which has risen in popularity and prominence in recent years, particularly in Indian , was missing. Unlike in Indian mushaira, poets recited their compositions in a sober atmosphere without histrionics.
An emerging voice in contemporary Urdu poetry, Tariq Sabzwari, from Pakistan read some wonderful poems. His couplet “,” was very much appreciated by the receptive audience.
The star attraction of the night, a well-known name in Urdu poetry from Quetta — Mohsin Changezi — was impeccable in content and delivery of some of his couplets.
“,” revealed his romanticism.
In another couplet “,” he highlighted the pain and agony of a poet.
Amjad Islam Amjad, a well-known poet from Pakistan, who presided over the evening, made an impact on minds of Urdu lovers with his rich rendition: “.”
“,” showcased his poetic genius. On repeated demands Amjad read out some of his all-time hits.
Veteran humorist Enayat Ali Khan lent some lighter moments to the session with his humorous compositions.
