Lucknow Book Fair: An Evening of Ghazals Celebrates Friendship, Reflection and Poetry

Lucknow — The Lucknow Book Fair turned into a lyrical gathering of emotions and expressions as an enchanting evening of ghazals captivated audiences at Ravindralaya. Organised by Sahityakar Sansad in collaboration with Naman Prakashan, the event brought together noted poets and ghazal singers for a memorable celebration of poetry and thought.

The evening opened with a warm welcome for the guests by Manoj Singh Chandel, Aawara Naveen, Munendra Shukla, Sudip Upreti and Pratishtha Shukla. The programme began on a devotional note with a Vani Vandana presented by Jaipur-based poet Anil Anwar, setting the tone for the poetic gathering.

Presiding over the session, noted shayar Ramprakash Bekhud stirred the audience with his poignant verse reflecting social realities:
“Ghulamon ko kahan neend aayegi shahon ke mahalon mein,
Agar so bhi gaye to raat bhar bistar uchhalega.”

The chief guest of the evening, poet Kripashankar “Vishwas,” presented a reflective couplet that drew appreciation from the audience:
“Rab ne bakhshi hain chiraagon ki sifar,
Varna gairon ke liye khud ko jalata kaun hai.”

Dr Fida Husain impressed listeners with his powerful ghazal:
“Ek sach bol kar Fida tune,
Zindagi daav par laga di hai.”

From Gorakhpur, poet Sarwat Jamal delivered a thought-provoking sher that highlighted the power of change:
“Jo mere haath mein maachis ki teeliyan hoti,
Phir apne shehar mein kya itni jhaadiyan hoti.”

One of the most appreciated couplets of the evening came from ghazal poet Jyoti Shekhar, who captured the essence of friendship and loyalty:
“Dost hain jo hamare rishte ko har tarah se nibah lete hain,
Hamse koi khata jo ho jaye, apne sar pe gunaah lete hain.”

Poet Rachna Mishra reflected on the modern human condition with the lines:
“Door apne aap se kitna hua hai aadmi,
Khwahishon ki bheed mein khoya hua hai aadmi.”

Pratibha Srivastava received enthusiastic applause for her emotional couplet:
“Mere haq mein bhi dua yaar kara de koi,
Tod ke pinjra mujhe aazaad kara de koi.”

Adding musical charm to the evening, Waqar Barabankvi presented his ghazal in melodious tarannum:
“Tu qabza chahta hai aasman par!
Tere hisse mein bas do gaz zameen hai.”

Young poet Harshit Mishra engaged the audience with his witty verse:
“Kahan pe chai, kahan jaam, jaanta hoon miyaan,
Naya nahi hoon har ik kaam jaanta hoon miyaan.”

Arvind Jha’s couplet also drew smiles and applause:
“Fida jis til pe dil mera hua hai,
Nahin til woh juaan chipka hua hai.”

The programme concluded with organiser Naveen Shukla’s powerful lines reflecting harmony beyond divisions:
“Tum siyāsi ho tumhein hogi zarurat iski,
Mujhse ye Hindu-Musalman nahin hone ka.”

Blending wit, emotion and social reflection, the evening of ghazals turned the book fair into a vibrant literary mehfil. The event demonstrated how poetry continues to connect hearts and minds, making the Lucknow Book Fair not just a place for books but also a lively platform for cultural dialogue and artistic expression.