Basant Panchami, Sufi Tunes, and Devotion: A tale of harmony at Nizamuddin Dargah
Qawwals at the Nizamuddin Dargah begin to set the tone for the evening’s celebrations. Photo: Zerneela Mohammed Wakil
Photo Story: Every year, the spring festival of Basant Panchami is celebrated with fervour at the Dargah of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya in New Delhi, with deep-rooted Sufi connections stretching back to the 13th-century.
The lanes of the New Delhi’s Nizamuddin Basti are a dizzying jaunt through history. The area is home to the shrine of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, the revered 14th-Century Sufi saint, and the tomb of his devoted disciple Amir Khusrau, a poet-musician. The haveli of 19th century poet Mirza Ghalib also stands in the narrow lanes, heavily laden with the aroma of kebab skewers.
Every springtime, this area glows in vibrant yellow with the arrival of Basant Panchami. The traditional Hindu (and Sikh) festival dedicated to Goddess Saraswati is celebrated with fervour in the largely Muslim neighbourhood at the Dargah of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya. Basant Panchami has found a deep-rooted connection in Sufi traditions, stretching back to the 13th-century bond between Khusrau and Nizamuddin Auliya.
According to historical accounts, the tradition of celebrating Basant at the dargah began when Nizamuddin Auliya was grieving the loss of his beloved nephew. Khusrau could not see his master in such despair. He once noticed a group of Hindu women wearing yellow attire and carrying mustard flowers while celebrating Basant. Inspired by their joy, Khusrau dressed in yellow, too, gathered flowers, and sang verses to uplift his master’s spirits. Nizamuddin Auliya was moved by Khusrau’s gesture and embraced this tradition; it continues today as a mark of love, music, and spiritual harmony.
The Head Priest sits alongside marigold flowers and a yellow chaddar before the celebrations. Photo: Zerneela Mohammed Wakil
Nowadays at the dargah, qawwals dress in yellow and sing Khusraus’s timeless verses during the spring festival. The courtyard is adorned with yellow flowers, a mark of devotion and festivity. Women tie yellow threads around sacred trees, seeking blessings. Preparations begin as big baskets of marigold flowers and a yellow chaddar are kept aside, to be later offered to Nizamuddin Auliya’s shrine. The offering is carried out by the Sajjada Nashin, in-charge of the dargah, after which the Qawwals—the Nizami brothers—gather in the main courtyard to begin the qawwali performance. People are seen praying, lighting incense sticks, and tying yellow-red threads around the shrine. Some also carry mustard flowers symbolizing the arrival of Basant.
As the evening prayers conclude, the dargah glows under the soft lights, reminding all that faith is not just about rituals but about shared traditions and love. Beyond Nizamuddin, the celebration of Basant Panchami reflects India’s pluralistic spirit, where poetry, music, and devotion have the power to unite people beyond religious boundaries.
Yellow flowers and chaddar symbolize the arrival of Basant. Photo: Zerneela Mohammed Wakil
Photo: Zerneela Mohammed Wakil
Photo: Zerneela Mohammed Wakil
People of all religions come together for this timeless celebration. Photo: Zerneela Mohammed Wakil
Devotees praying at the Nizamuddin Dargah. Photo: Zerneela Mohammed Wakil
Red and yellow threads tied in hope of prayers and wishes being answered. Photo: Zerneela Mohammed Wakil
A devotee holds mustard flowers—a symbol of Basant and new beginnings. Photo: Zerneela Mohammed Wakil
“What’s possible without love?” Photo: Zerneela Mohammed Wakil
Under the evening sky, Nizamuddin Dargah becomes a sanctuary for prayer and peace. Photo: Zerneela Mohammed Wakil
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Zerneela Mohammed Wakil is a photographer and journalist with a keen eye for storytelling. She holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from AJK MCRC, Jamia Millia Islamia. She has covered a range of stories, blending depth with nuance, for The Indian Express Group and The Quint. Beyond journalism, Zerneela enjoys expressing herself through poetry. You can find her on Instagram: @zeeeeeeeebeeeeee and Twitter: @zerneela.
