JEDDAH: A leading Jeddah-based Urdu poet will be honored on Friday for his contribution to the popular genre of literature known as ghazal.
The India-born Pakistani national, Naeem Bazidpuri, has long been a regular fixture at Saudi and international poetry gatherings (mushaira). His poetry is widely applauded for its simplicity and unique style.
Born in Bazidpur in Bihar, India, he wrote his first poem at the age of 9. It was published in the popular children’s magazine “Khilona” in 1955. He has been employed as a senior journalist with Urdu News, a sister publication of Arab News, since 1994. He arrived in the Kingdom in 1977; his family migrated to East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) in 1947.
Bazidpuri takes pride in the fact that he was widely published in Seemab Akbarabadi’s “Shayer” and Khustar Girami’s “Beesween Sadi” — magazines that were known for their prestige and scholarship.
“Since he commands wide respect, we thought it fitting to organize a grand event to honor him and celebrate his poetry,” said Athar Nafees Abbasi, president of Aalami Urdu Markaz which is organizing the event at Jeddah’s La Sani (Spinzer) Restaurant.
Abbasi said that every six months a new literary figure would be similarly honored.
The event, dubbed “Jashn-e-Aezaz,” will be anchored by Hamid Islam Khan and Amir Khurshid Rizvi.
Urdu News Editor in Chief Tarek Mishkhas will be among the prominent guests.
Among those who will shed light on Bazidpuri’s poetry and literary contributions will be Jeddah Radio Urdu Section head, Mohammed Laeequllah Khan; well-known literary figure Fezaur Rahman; popular humorist from Riyadh, Shaukat Jamal as well as the columnist and literary editor, Shahzad Azam and educationist Zia Abdullah Nadwi.
In the event’s second part, Bazidpuri will entertain the audience with selections from his latest poetry.
Those who wish to attend should contact Abassi on 0504851972 or Hamid Islam Khan on 0551902688.
Popular Urdu poet to be honored in Jeddah
Popular Urdu poet to be honored in Jeddah
Winter at Tantora Festival returns to AlUla, showcasing rich cultural heritage
- Festival now established as a premier annual event
AlUla: The Winter at Tantora Festival launched on Thursday in AlUla. It runs until Jan. 10 and presents a cultural season which celebrates the region’s rich civilizational, cultural, and historic legacy.
The festival’s program includes a wide array of cultural, artistic, and traditional activities, reported the Saudi Press Agency.
Attractions include Old Town Nights, Shorfat Tantora, When Shadow Tracks Us, and the Al-Manshiyah Carnival.
FASTFACT
In the past, AlUla’s inhabitants used this clock to measure time and coordinate their agricultural activities.
In addition, there are guided tours of street art through the Old Town, special events commemorating the Year of Handicrafts, culinary experiences, and artistic and musical performances.
The festival derives its name from the Tantora, an ancient sundial situated in the Old Town’s center. In the past, AlUla’s inhabitants used this clock to measure time and coordinate their agricultural activities. The modern festival honors this tradition by marking the onset of winter and the start of the planting season.
This year’s edition offers a range of experiences to celebrate heritage, genuine local culture, and traditional craftsmanship.
As part of AlUla Moments, the Winter at Tantora Festival supports efforts to boost cultural and tourist engagement while enhancing the visitor experience.
The initiative reflects Saudi Vision 2030’s commitment to advancing cultural tourism and promoting the Kingdom’s historic landmarks.
The festival has established itself as one of AlUla’s premier annual events, consistently attracting both domestic and international audiences.
