For the love of Urdu

In four years, Rekhta has become the largest online repository for Urdu poetry and literature

The lawns of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts in Delhi were choc-a-bloc over three days last February. There were men and women, young and old, in silks and pashminas. There were students in ripped jeans and loafers. And, there were children. They were here for Jashn-e-Rekhta that had drawn in poets, artistes, litterateurs and singers from India and Pakistan to celebrate the lyrical beauty of Urdu. The festival had expected about 2,500 visitors — more than 85,000 turned up.

Jashn-e-Rekhta, the third edition of which will be held next week, is the result of one man’s passion for