Muzaffar Ali Soofi, a descendant of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti’s disciples from Ajmer Dargah, battles orthodoxy to resurrect the 800-year-old tradition of Basant Panchami in Hyderabad. This year its happening on January 23 writes D Vaishnavi
In the vibrant chaos of Hyderabad’s Old City, where ancient dargahs pulse with timeless rhythms, Muzaffar Ali Soofi emerges as a lone guardian of sufi tradition of Basant Panchami. Descendant of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti’s disciples of Ajmer Dargah, he battles orthodoxy to resurrect the 800-year-old tradition of Basant Panchami in Hyderabad. It is much popular Sufi festival of yellow blooms, qawwalis, and unity that defies division. Amid staunch critics labeling it un-Islamic, Soofi’s crusade ignites spring’s spiritual fire, drawing all faiths to celebrate oneness in a divided world. This January 2026, his event promises harmony’s triumphant return with Warsi Brothers’ soul-stirring performance.
Muzaffar Ali Soofi
The Annual Sufi Basant festival is happening on Friday, January 23 this year starting at 6:30 p.m. at Dargah Hazrat Shaikji Hali (also called Hzt Shaik ji Hali Qibla Rah), located at Urdu Shareef behind Pathergatti. It celebrates cultural fusion through qawwali performances of Hazrat Amir Khusrau’s Basant songs, promoting unity and peace.
The event has run annually at this venue for about 8-10 years, promoting Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb through qawwali, yellow decorations, and communal harmony. The January 23, 2026, edition upholds this legacy amid Hyderabad’s cultural festivals.
Originating from Chishti Sufi order in the 12th century, the festival gained prominence in Hyderabad five centuries ago, with rulers joining Hindu Basant Panchami worship of Goddess Saraswati using yellow marigolds and garments. The dargah’s custodian, Muzaffar Ali Soofi Chishti, revived modern annual events around 2016-2018 after a post-1948 lapse.
Sufism embodies Islamic mysticism, stressing inner purity, love, and unity beyond rigid divides, attracting devotees from all faiths to dargahs. Unlike orthodox pillars like namaz and roza, it promotes meditation, qawwalis, and aid to the needy for divine closeness. In Hyderabad, Sufi culture thrives through dargahs like Hazrat Shaikji Hali, fostering Ganga-Jamuni harmony via festivals blending Hindu and Muslim traditions. Muftis oppose Basant celebrations in dargahs, referencing obscure historical bans, viewing them unfit for spiritual sites. Soofi counters fiercely: “You do your work; I’ll do mine,” persisting despite media backlash and fatwas.
Basant Panchami’s Sufi Roots
Basant Panchami marks spring’s arrival, tied to Sufi lore where Amir Khusrau—disciple of Nizamuddin Auliya, poet, sitar and tabla inventor, composed “Khusro ki Basant” 750 years ago. Celebrated at Nizamuddin Dargah origin point, Ajmer, Mehrauli, and Pakpattan with yellow attire, flowers, and qawwalis, it spread under Qutub Shahis and Nizams in Hyderabad until 1948. Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti’s Ajmer Dargah upholds it as brotherhood’s symbol.
Sufi Basant reflects Sufism’s inclusivity, transcending religious boundaries with music, poetry, and devotion, much like at Delhi’s Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah. In Hyderabad, it highlights the city’s composite heritage, often supported by local authorities and international guests. As a content creator focused on Hyderabad’s cultural events, this offers rich material for SEO-optimized reels on local festivals.
Soofi’s Crusade in Hyderabad
Muzaffar Ali Soofi leads Basant Panchali at a Hyderabad dargah, self-funding with team support amid zero government aid. Though exact years he organizes remain unstated, the tradition spans centuries locally, revived by his defiance against ulema and Urdu press. This year, featuring Warsi Brothers’ renowned qawwalis, it fosters “harmony, peace, love,” welcoming all faiths unlike segregated mosques or temples.
Legendary Saints and Modern Echoes
Key Sufi saints include Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti of Ajmer (drawing interfaith crowds) and Nizamuddin Auliya with devotee Amir Khusrau. Popular current Sufi songs like “Allah Ho”a 2026 fast-paced zikr blending Bollywood beats and spiritual vibes—captivate youth. Hyderabad’s Sufi scene features recent literary festivals with qawwali sessions, now amplified by Warsi Brothers at Soofi’s event, echoing his unity mission.
Be a part of Hyderabad’s vibrant culture by welcoming spring this 23 january, and unitedness in celebrating art and culture through melodies of Warsi brothers sparking an ode unity and peace.
