Sufi Basant

Sufi Basant

23 January 2026
Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah
Free Event

Experience the soul of Delhi's "Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb" (syncretic culture). Sufi Basant at the Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah is a 700-year-old tradition that celebrates spring through music, poetry, and a unique display of interfaith harmony.


Quick Guide for Visitors

What You Need to Know Official 2026 Information
Primary Date Friday, January 23, 2026
Procession Start 4:30 PM (Taqiuddin Nuh Shrine, Nizamuddin Basti)
Main Ceremony 5:30 PM (Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah Courtyard)
Entry Fee Free (Open to all faiths and genders)
Nearest Metro JLN Stadium or Khan Market (Violet Line)

The Legend of the Spring

Started by the legendary poet Amir Khusro in the 13th century, this festival was a way to bring a smile back to the grieving saint, Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, after the death of his nephew. Khusro dressed in yellow mustard-colored clothes and sang songs of spring, a tradition that remains unbroken for seven centuries.


2026 Event Highlights

  • The Musical Procession: Watch the Qawwals dressed in bright yellow walk through the historic Basti, singing the timeless "Sakal Bun Phool Rahi Sarson."
  • Yellow Rituals: Witness the offering of yellow mustard flowers and yellow silk sheets (chadars) at the graves of the saint and his disciple.
  • The Rare Qawwali: Listen to specific "Basant Kalams" (devotional verses) that are only performed on this one day of the year inside the sanctum.
  • Evening Glow: As dusk falls, the Dargah is lit with lamps during the Roshni ki Dua ceremony, creating an ethereal golden atmosphere.

Essential Visitor Tips

  • Dress Code: To join the spirit, wear Yellow (Basanti). Both men and women are required to cover their heads inside the Dargah.
  • Photography: Mobile photography is permitted in the courtyard, but please be respectful during prayer times and avoid flash.
  • Crowd Alert: The Basti lanes are very narrow. Expect significant crowds between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Arrive early to find a spot in the courtyard.
  • Don't Miss: The nearby stalls serving yellow Boondi laddoos and saffron-infused sweets specifically made for this day.