Muhammad Mujahid Syed Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — Tariq Sabzwari, a Pakistani poet, was recently invited by Syed Farid Hassan, finance secretary of the “Aalami Urdu Markaz Jeddah,” at a small private literary gathering. Sabzwari, a banker by profession and a qualified civil engineer, spoke in length about the Indian and Pakistani “Ghazal (poetry)” and “Mushairah (poetry symposium).” “Mushairah” brings people of all religions and status together. Sabzwari said that although Pakistan has produced renowned poets over the years, the concept of “Mushairah” is not prevalent in Pakistan as much as it is in India. In India, he said, “Mushairah” has become a great industry; it is is a major literary, cultural festival, which connects the common man with the poets. Further distinguishing between Indian and Pakistani poets, Sabzwari said that the latter prefer “Tahtallafz (simple recitation without singing)” over “Tarannum (sonorous) while reciting poetry, and the latter resonates more emotions. He said various poets from Delhi and Lucknow possess beautiful voice and gave examples of “Ghazal” maestros Jigar Moradabadi and Khumar Barabankawi, who are still known for their melodious voice and poetry. Sabzwari has published only book titled “Dhoop Dareeche” comprising his poems, and it is well received in the literary circles. His family, which hails from Badayun, India migrated to Pakistan in 1978, has a number of poets and literary figures. Sabzwari, who has a unique style of reciting “Ghazal,” has participated in various “Mushairah” all over the world. At the gathering, various other poets like Athar Abbasi among others also recited their poetry. Sharif Hassan, Athar Abbasi, president of Aalami Urdu Markaz Jeddah, Rohail Khan, Musarrat Khalil, and Mohsin Sharif, and Hassan welcomed and thanked Sabzwari and other guests for being part of the beautiful evening.
