Visit to Annual Mushaira 2026

hijraton ke sahraa kii
dil ne khaak chhaani hai

us kii dard ankhon men
hijr ki kahaani hai
~Noshi Gilani
[Romanized Urdu]

The desert of displacements
has been sifted through by the heart

In his eyes [full] of pain
lives a story of separation
[Translation]

Come join us this month as the Sydney Urdu Poetry Reading Circle steps beyond the usual circle format and attends a live mushaira : The Annual Mushaira by Urdu International Australia ✨

A mushaira is not just a poetry event — it is the living, breathing heart of Urdu literary culture. To truly understand Urdu poetry, one must experience it in this form: communal, responsive, and deeply felt. Unlike the deferential atmosphere of many English literary readings, a mushaira is alive with participation — voices rise in “wah!”, verses are repeated in taqrar, and the audience becomes part of the performance itself.

This year’s mushaira will be headlined by the celebrated poet Noshi Gilani, alongside other established names in Urdu poetry.

📖 Explore Noshi Gilani's poetry beforehand (optional):
https://www.rekhta.org/poets/noshi-gilani/all

📍 Where:
✨ Meet at Central Station, Platform 24 (to be updated closer to the date)
✨ Time: 4:25 PM sharp — we will take the 4:32 PM train to Hurstville
✨ We will sit in the back-most carriage for convenience

📍 Mushaira Venue:
Civic Theatre, 16 Macmahon Street, Hurstville (starts at 5:00 PM)

🎟️ Tickets:
✨ $25 entry — to be paid at the gate to Urdu International Australia (please note: I am not monetarily involved with this event in any way)

🎙️ Format:
✨ We will travel together as a group and attend the mushaira
✨The entry fee covers snacks/dinner
✨ Experience Urdu poetry in its most authentic, performative setting
✨ Engage with the energy, rhythm, and collective participation of a live audience

🌍 Language:
✨ The mushaira will be conducted primarily in Urdu
✨ Please note: this is not organized by the Sydney Urdu Poetry Reading Circle, so the language format is not under our control

📱 Need help finding us or running late?
✨ Text/WhatsApp: 0466228605

⚠️ RSVP note:
✨ Please update your RSVP if your plans change
✨ No-shows without notice may be removed to keep the group fair for others

Come for the poetry, stay for the experience — and witness Urdu poetry in the form it was meant to be felt 🌿