Latest news with #SufiNight


Time of India
7 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Controversy over singing, dancing at Guru Tegh Bahadur martyrdom centenary event in Srinagar
PATIALA: A significant controversy emerged over an inclusion of dance and musical performances at the event organised by the Punjab govt's Bhasha Vibhag (Language Department) in Srinagar to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Guru of Sikhs. The dance and singing at Sufi Night drew sharp criticism from Sikh religious leaders and institutions, who described the actions as a clear violation of Sikh religious principles and an insult to the sanctity of the Guru's sacrifice. The event, part of a series of govt initiatives to mark the centenary, featured singers and dance performances, provoking outrage within the Sikh community, particularly on social media. The videos of singing and dance during the event has gone viral over the social media along with a symbolic picture comparing the massacre of Sikhs during Mughal period with picture of singing and dance at event organized by government on July 24. Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, President of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), issued a strong statement labeling the event 'deeply painful' and a violation of Sikh Maryada (code of conduct). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is this legal? Access all TV channels without a subscription! Techno Mag Learn More Undo He asserted that such solemn commemorations should only take place in Gurdwaras and Sikh institutions and should involve spiritual practices like Shabad Kirtan, Gurbani Paath, and Gurmat Vichar, rather than entertainment. 'This is why SGPC has always maintained that religious commemorations must not be handled by govt bodies, which lack the sensitivity and understanding of Sikh traditions,' Dhami said. He further demanded a public apology from the Punjab govt and urged Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to prevent similar events in the future. Dhami added that the Language Department's actions confirmed SGPC's long-standing concerns about govt involvement in Sikh religious affairs. 'Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib's martyrdom is not a cultural festivity but a spiritual lesson in sacrifice and righteousness,' he stated, calling for strict guidelines to ensure future respect for Sikh sentiments. Former Shiromani Akali Dal MLA Virsa Singh Valtoha also condemned the programme and called on the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib to take religious action against the organisers. Sarabjit Singh Dhotian, Head Pracharak of the Dharam Prachar Committee, criticised the move in a strong Facebook post, questioning the appropriateness of Sufi music in commemorating a martyrdom that symbolised resistance to religious persecution. Dhotian accused the govt of using taxpayer money to send 'atheists and semi-atheists' on official tours while neglecting core Sikh historical values. 'When Aurangzeb was forcibly converting Kashmiri Pandits, which Sufi saint opposed it? The event mocked the essence of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib's martyrdom. When lakhs of Hindus were being massacred, these Sufis were busy dancing and celebrating their beloved. And now, when govts across the world are committing genocide of Sikhs, these govt scholars and singers are 'dancing' to celebrate martyrdom,' he wrote. Punjab Bhasha Vibhag Joint Director Harpreet Kaur stated, 'The programme organised by Punjab govt was scheduled for July 23-24 in Kashmir. Sufi night was also held.' When asked about the controversy over dance and singing during Sufi night, she replied, 'I don't know what happened during the programme as I have not been there nor have I seen any videos. You may speak to Director Bhasha Vibhag.' She declined to comment further. Jaswant Singh Jafar, Director Bhasha Vibhag, could not be contacted despite repeated attempts. Amarinder Singh, one of the organisers of Punjab government organised event in Srinagar, when questioned about the controversy on singing and dancing during commemoration event, declined to comment reasoning network issue and later did not responded. Sikh intellectuals emphasised that even well-intentioned musical performances should not be part of martyrdom commemorations. The controversy highlighted the delicate balance between govt-sponsored cultural outreach and the preservation of religious sanctity.


Hindustan Times
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
HT City Delhi Junction: Catch It Live on 2 July 2025
#ArtAttack What: An Exhibition on Sculpture by Prem Lata Sarkar Catch It Live on Wednesday, 2 July 2025.(Photo: Anurag Mehra/HT) Where: Triveni Gallery, Triveni Kala Sangam, 205 Tansen Marg, Mandi House When: July 1 to 10 Timing: 11am to 8pm Entry: Free Nearest Metro Station: Mandi House (Blue & Violet Lines) #TuneIn What: Sufi Night ft Usool Where: Khubani, Andaz Hotel (Entry from Gate 8), Aerocity When: July 2 Timing: 8pm Entry: Nearest Metro Station: Delhi Aerocity (Airport Express Line) #DelhiTalkies What: Jai Hind – Light & Sound Show Where: Red Fort, Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi When: July 1 to 31 Timing: 7.30pm & 8.45pm Entry: Nearest Metro Station: Lal Quila/Red Fort (Violet Line) #StepUp What: Sharanaagathi – Bharatanatyam Margam ft Sathvikaa Shankar Where: The Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre (IHC), Lodhi Road When: July 2 Timing: 7pm Entry: Free Nearest Metro Station: JLN Stadium (Violet Line) #JustForLaughs What: Best of Laugh Store ft Manik Mahna, Maheep Singh & Swati Sachdeva Where: The Laugh Store, CyberHub, DLF Phase II, Sector 24, Gurugram When: July 2 Timings: 9.30pm Entry: Nearest Metro Station: Cyber City (Rapid Metro) For more, follow HT City Delhi Junction


Hindustan Times
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
HT City Delhi Junction: Catch It Live on 25 June 2025
#CineCall What: Korea – India Friendship Screening Catch It Live on Wednesday, 25 June 2025.(Photo: Anurag Mehra/HT) Where: Korean Cultural Centre India, Ring Road, Lajpat Nagar-IV When: June 25 Timing: 2pm Entry: Free Nearest Metro Station: Moolchand (Violet Line) #LitTalk What: The Conscience Network -- Sugata Srinivasaraju, Ravi Chopra, SR Hiremath, and Anand Kumar Where: Lecture Hall II, India International Centre Annexe, Lodhi Road When: June 25 Timing: 6pm Entry: Free Nearest Metro Station: Jor Bagh (Yellow Line) #TuneIn What: Sufi Night ft Master Saleem Where: Khubani, Andaz Hotel (Entry from Gate 8), Aerocity When: June 25 Timing: 8pm Entry: Nearest Metro Station: Delhi Aerocity (Airport Express Line) #Staged What: NSD's Summer Theatre Festival 2025 | Andha Yug Where: Abhimanch Auditorium, National School of Drama (NSD), Bahawalpur House, Bhagwandas Road, Mandi House When: June 25 Timing: 7pm Entry: Nearest Metro Station: Mandi House (Blue & Violet Lines) #ArtAttack What: Galliyon se Guzarti Nazar (A Glance Through the Lane) – An exhibition of watercolour, ink and charcoal by Mohd Israr Where: Art Gallery, India International Centre (IIC) Annexe, Lodhi Estate When: June 25 to July 1 Timing: 11am to 7pm Entry: Free Nearest Metro Station: Jor Bagh (Yellow Line) #StepUp What: Maadhuryam ft Gayatri Seth (Bharatanatyam) Where: The Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road When: June 25 Timing: 7pm Entry: Free Nearest Metro Station: JLN Stadium (Violet Line) #JustForLaughs What: Gaurav Kapoor Live Where: The Laugh Store, CyberHub, DLF Phase II, Sector 24, Gurugram When: June 25 Timing: 9.45pm Entry: Nearest Metro Station: Cyber City (Rapid Metro) For more, follow HT City Delhi Junction

Fashion Value Chain
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Fashion Value Chain
Sufi Star Heer Walia Casts a Spell Over Delhi at Bonne Foi 65
Under a velvet sky strewn with stars, music and mysticism entwined at Bonne Foi 65 in East of Kailash, where celebrated Sufi songstress Heer Walia delivered a transcendent live performance that left Delhi breathless. Eminent singer from the Sufi world, Heer Walia, performing under the stars at Bonne Foi 65, East of Kailash The rooftop oasis, already renowned for its chic ambiance and gourmet offerings, transformed into a sanctum of sound and spirit this past Saturday night. As the city's skyline shimmered in the distance, Walia's haunting vocals soared above the din of daily life, weaving together the poetry of Bulleh Shah, the ecstasy of Amir Khusrau, and her own hypnotic interpretations of folk traditions passed down through generations. Every verse was a prayer, every note a thread in a rich tapestry of emotion that held the audience captive. From her first breath to the final chord, Walia didn't just perform-she invoked. The crowd-an eclectic mix of date-night duos, music connoisseurs, curious foodies, and spiritual seekers-sat spellbound, swaying in rhythm, many mouthing lyrics, some with closed eyes and hearts wide open. 'I came for dinner and stayed for divinity,' said Ananya Mehta, echoing the sentiments of many who left the evening transformed. 'It felt less like a concert and more like a communion.' The venue rose to the occasion with grace. Dimmed, golden lighting cast a warm glow across elegant tables adorned with Mediterranean platters, Indian-fusion masterpieces, and desserts decadent enough to tempt the most disciplined. Signature cocktails-infused with herbs, spices, and a touch of alchemy-flowed as effortlessly as the music. Co-owners of renowned club Bonne Foi 65 Amit Bishnoi and Avnee Yadav with Sufi sensation Heer Walia celebrating the Sufi Night Speaking on the recent Sufi night featuring Heer Walia, Amit Bishnoi, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Club Bonne Foi 65, said, 'Our vision has always been to create a space where culture thrives and connections deepen. Heer Walia's performance brought that vision to life-it was pure magic.' Avnee Yadav, Co-Founder and Experience Curator at Bonne Foi 65, added, 'To see people come together, not just to dine but to feel something deeper through music, is what Bonne Foi is all about. Nights like these remind us why we started this journey-to celebrate art, soul, and togetherness.' As Walia closed her set to a standing ovation and resounding calls for an encore, the air seemed to hum with more than applause-it carried gratitude, reverence, and the unmistakable magic of a shared moment that won't soon be forgotten. For those who missed it, Bonne Foi 65 assures that more evenings of enchantment await-where food meets feeling, and melodies linger long after the final note fades. About Bonne Foi 65 Nestled in the heart of East of Kailash, Club Bonne Foi 65 is South Delhi's premier rooftop dining and cultural destination. Blending sophisticated ambiance with a curated culinary experience, the venue is known for its seamless fusion of global flavors, craft cocktails, and live entertainment. Whether it's a soulful music night under the stars, a gourmet celebration with friends, or an intimate evening of fine dining, Bonne Foi 65 offers an immersive escape where food, art, and atmosphere come together. With a focus on community, creativity, and curated experiences, Bonne Foi 65 continues to redefine the capital's hospitality and nightlife scene.


Hindustan Times
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
HT City Delhi Junction: Catch It Live on 7 May 2025
#ArtAttack What: Soul on Canvas Catch It Live on Wednesday, 7 May 2025. (Photo: Henna Rakheja/HT) Where: Triveni Gallery, Triveni Kala Sangam, 205 Tansen Marg, Mandi House When: April 8 to May 16 Timing: 11am to 8pm Entry: Free Nearest Metro Station: Mandi House (Blue & Violet Lines) #TuneIn What: In Memory of Ustad Nasir Zahiruddin Dagar | Dhrupad Recital by Ustad F Wasifuddin Dagar Where: CD Deshmukh Auditorium, India International Centre, Lodhi Road When: May 7 Timing: 6.30pm Entry: Free Nearest Metro Station: Jor Bagh (Yellow Line) #StepUp What: Delhi Nritya & Sangeet Mahotsav | Shashikant Pathak (Pakhawaj) Where: Triveni Kala Sangam, 205, Tansen Marg, Mandi House When: May 7 Timing: 6pm Entry: Free Nearest Metro Station: Mandi House (Blue & Violet Lines) #TuneIn What: Sufi Night ft The Aakaar Band Where: Moire Cafe Lounge & Bar, Gardens Galleria Mall, Sector 38A, Noida When: May 7 Timing: 8pm Entry: Nearest Metro Station: Noida Sector 18 (Blue Line) #JustForLaughs What: Master Peace ft Madhur Virli Where: The Laugh Store, DLF CyberHub, Sector 24, Gurugram When: May 7 Timing: 7pm Entry: Nearest Metro Station: Phase 2 (Rapid Metro) #FleaSpree What: Jalsa – Travel Edit '25 Where: The Claridges, 12, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Road When: May 7 Timing: 11am to 7pm Entry: Free Nearest Metro Station: Lok Kalyan Marg (Yellow Line) For more, follow HT City Delhi Junction