How a disciple’s colorful devotion for his master continues to unite the Old City in a sea of marigolds and melody.
In the narrow, incense-laden lanes of Urdu Shareef, just behind the iconic stone arches of Pathergatti, Hyderabad is preparing to turn a very specific shade of yellow. This Friday, January 23, 2026, the Dargah Hazrath Shaik Ji Hali will host the eighth edition of the Sufi Basant Festival, a celebration that feels less like a religious event and more like a warm, communal embrace of spring.
A Legacy of Love and Laughter
The tradition, which spans over seven centuries, didn’t start with a ritual, but with a broken heart. As the legend goes, the great Sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya had sunk into a deep, impenetrable grief after the death of his nephew. His devoted disciple, the poet-musician Amir Khusrau, was desperate to see his master smile again.
Inspired by local women carrying yellow mustard flowers to a temple for Basant Panchami, Khusrau donned a yellow robe, grabbed a bunch of blossoms, and began to sing and dance with joyous abandon. The sight was so unexpected that the Saint finally laughed, lifting the gloom. Today, that moment is immortalized every year through music and the “Basanti” (yellow) dress code.
What to Expect at the 2026 Edition
Organized by the Telangana Arts and Cultural Council, this year’s festival is a sensory journey through Hyderabad’s Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb (composite culture).
- The Atmosphere: Imagine a historic Dargah bathed in the golden hues of Gul-e-Dawoodi (chrysanthemums) and marigolds.
- The Music: The evening begins with a meditative jugalbandi between Sarangi and Sitar, followed by semi-classical recitals. The crescendo, however, is the Mehfil-e-Nizami, where the Warsi Brothers and Shabaz Ali Khan will perform Khusrau’s timeless spring qawwalis.
- The Sea of Yellow: From diplomats and bureaucrats to local shopkeepers, you’ll see the audience adhering to the yellow dress code—a visual symbol of oneness that transcends faith.
Plan Your Visit
If you’re looking to experience the soul of Hyderabad beyond the biryani and the Charminar, this is the place to be.
- When: Friday, January 23, 2026 | 6:30 PM onwards
- Where: Dargah Hazrath Shaik Ji Hali R.A., Urdu Shareef, Hyderabad
- Entry: Free and open to everyone
- Pro-tip: Wear a yellow scarf, shirt, or stole to truly feel like part of the tradition.
