Kashmir's Zool Festival: A Sufi Tradition of Light and Harmony
The annual Zool torch festival at Kashmir's Aishmuqam shrine celebrates Sufi heritage, communal harmony, and the arrival of spring.
Photo by Ankit Sharma
Quick Revision
The Zool festival is also known as the torch festival or illumination festival.
It is a centuries-old tradition celebrated at the Aishmuqam shrine in Anantnag, Kashmir.
The festival commemorates the 15th-century Sufi saint Baba Zain-ud-Din Wali, a disciple of Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali (Nund Rishi).
Thousands of devotees carry wooden torches, locally called 'mashals' or 'phrov'.
The procession ascends a 100-step staircase to the hilltop shrine.
The festival symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
It is a significant expression of Kashmir's Rishi-Sufi syncretic culture and promotes communal harmony.
The event heralds the arrival of spring and signals farmers to begin sowing paddy.
People refrain from eating or selling meat for three days before the festival as a form of spiritual purification.
The shrine is located 75 km south of Srinagar.
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The Zool Festival in Kashmir offers a poignant reminder of the region's deep-rooted Rishi-Sufi syncretic culture, a heritage often overshadowed by contemporary narratives. This centuries-old torch festival, commemorating Baba Zain-ud-Din Wali, is not merely a religious observance; it is a vital cultural anchor that actively promotes communal harmony and regional identity. Its continued celebration, drawing thousands from diverse backgrounds, underscores the resilience of indigenous traditions against external pressures.
Preserving such cultural events is paramount for maintaining the social fabric of Jammu and Kashmir. These festivals provide tangible links to a pluralistic past, offering a counter-narrative to divisive ideologies that seek to fragment communities. Government agencies and local administrations must recognize these traditions as invaluable assets for peace-building and cultural diplomacy, moving beyond mere symbolic gestures to provide robust logistical and financial support.
Consider the broader implications: while many regions grapple with cultural erosion due to modernization or political strife, Kashmir's Zool Festival stands as a testament to enduring community spirit. This event, where mashals (torches) symbolize the triumph of light over darkness, could be integrated into broader tourism and cultural promotion strategies. Such initiatives would not only boost local economies but also project a more nuanced image of Kashmir to the national and international audience.
Moving forward, a dedicated policy framework is essential to identify, document, and safeguard similar indigenous festivals across the Union Territory. This framework should involve local communities in decision-making, ensuring authenticity and sustainability. Integrating these cultural assets with educational curricula could also instill a deeper appreciation for Kashmir's unique heritage among younger generations, fostering a sense of shared identity and belonging.
Exam Angles
UPSC Mains Paper 1: Art and Culture - focus on new forms of cultural expression, use of heritage sites for events.
UPSC Mains Paper 4: Ethics and Integrity - role of cultural events in promoting social harmony, intergenerational connect.
UPSC Prelims: Art and Culture - knowledge of specific musical forms, historical venues, and contemporary cultural trends.
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Summary
The Zool Festival in Kashmir is an ancient torch festival where people celebrate a Sufi saint. It symbolizes good triumphing over evil, marks the arrival of spring, and brings different communities together, showcasing Kashmir's unique blend of cultures.
On March 14th, 2026, the historic Purana Quila in Delhi hosted 'Candlelight Open Air: Mehfil-e-Sufi,' an immersive musical experience featuring an Indian classical ensemble. The concert, organized by Live Your City, introduced a new format to India where instrumental renditions of Sufi classics were performed in a candlelit setting. The ensemble included Megha Rawoot on sitar, Makrand Sanon on percussion, and Ashwin Krishnan on keyboard.
They performed pieces like 'Mast Kalandar,' 'Yeh Jo Halka Halka Suroor Hai,' 'Khwaja Mere Khwaja,' 'Kun Faya Kun,' and 'Chaap Tilak Sanson Ki Mala,' with compositions inspired by artists like AR Rahman and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. This format, which entered India in June 2024 through Fever, emphasizes intimacy and experience over scale, contrasting with conventional high-energy concerts. The ambiance was created by flickering electric candles lining the venue and surrounding the stage, with the fort's silhouette providing a dramatic backdrop.
Unlike traditional concerts with bright, high-energy lighting, the candlelight created a softer, more personal atmosphere. The close-proximity seating blurred the lines between performers and audience, encouraging audience participation. This approach aims to make classical music more accessible, with over 70% of attendees being Gen Z and Millennials.
The artists adapted the music for an instrumental format, with Krishnan noting that harmony acts as a different language to convey emotion without lyrics, and Sanon described his percussion as 'flowy,' weaving around the melody to deepen the mood rather than dominate it. Upcoming events include tributes to AR Rahman and Arijit Singh, and a Night of Ghazals in late March and early April 2026. This event is relevant to UPSC Mains Paper 1 (Art and Culture) and Paper 4 (Ethics and Integrity, related to cultural preservation and experience).
Background
The concept of candlelight concerts, which involves performing music in an intimate, candlelit setting, has gained global traction and recently entered India. These concerts aim to offer a different perspective on experiencing live music, particularly classical and instrumental genres. They emphasize a personal connection between the artist and the audience, moving away from the grand scale and high energy of typical concerts. The format seeks to create a unique ambiance that enhances the musical experience by integrating the setting with the performance.
Purana Quila, the venue for the 'Mehfil-e-Sufi' concert, is a historic fort in Delhi with a rich past, having witnessed centuries of change since the 1600s. Its imposing architecture and historical significance provide a unique backdrop that adds to the grandeur of cultural events. By hosting such concerts, historical monuments are being repurposed to foster cultural engagement and provide platforms for artists. This approach aligns with efforts to promote heritage tourism and make cultural experiences more accessible and engaging for contemporary audiences, especially younger demographics.
The 'Mehfil-e-Sufi' concert specifically focused on instrumental renditions of Sufi classics. Sufism, a mystical dimension of Islam, emphasizes love, tolerance, and harmony, often expressed through music and poetry. The Rishi-Sufi syncretic culture in regions like Kashmir, as mentioned in related contexts, highlights a tradition of cultural synthesis where different spiritual and artistic expressions merge. This concert's focus on instrumental Sufi music reflects a broader trend of appreciating and reinterpreting traditional musical forms in innovative ways.
Latest Developments
Candlelight concerts have been introduced in India by Fever in June 2024, with 'Mehfil-e-Sufi' at Purana Quila being a notable event. This format is designed to bridge a gap in the live music scene, which is often dominated by loud spectacles. The organizers aim to create a more personal and immersive experience, making classical music more appealing to younger audiences, with over 70% of attendees being Gen Z and Millennials. The success of such events highlights a growing demand for unique and intimate cultural experiences.
Future events are planned, including tributes to artists like A.R. Rahman and Arijit Singh, and a 'Night of Ghazals' in late March and early April 2026. These upcoming concerts indicate a strategy to leverage historical venues and the candlelight concert format for diverse musical genres. This expansion suggests a growing market for curated, experience-driven live music events in India, potentially inspiring similar initiatives in other heritage sites.
The format also provides a platform for Indian instrumentalists and artists to showcase their skills to new audiences. By reinterpreting classical and contemporary music in an instrumental and intimate setting, these concerts contribute to the preservation and promotion of traditional arts while adapting them for modern appreciation. The success of these events could lead to more such fusion performances that blend heritage with contemporary artistic expression.
Sources & Further Reading
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Candlelight Open Air: Mehfil-e-Sufi concert held at Purana Quila:
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statement 1 is CORRECT. The concert featured an Indian classical ensemble with Megha Rawoot on sitar, Makrand Sanon on percussion, and Ashwin Krishnan on keyboard. Statement 2 is CORRECT. The concert included instrumental renditions of classics like 'Mast Kalandar' and 'Khwaja Mere Khwaja,' with compositions by artists like AR Rahman and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Statement 3 is INCORRECT. While the concert aimed for intimacy, it was organized by 'Live Your City,' not 'Fever' which introduced the format to India in June 2024. 'Fever' is associated with the broader Candlelight concert series globally and in India.
2. Which of the following statements best describes the primary objective of the Candlelight concert format as introduced in India?
- A.To showcase large-scale musical performances with advanced lighting and sound systems.
- B.To create an intimate and personal atmosphere for experiencing live music, bridging the gap left by high-energy, spectacle-driven concerts.
- C.To exclusively promote traditional Indian classical music to a younger demographic.
- D.To provide a platform for emerging artists to gain exposure through mass-appeal music genres.
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement B is CORRECT. The source explicitly states that Candlelight concerts aim to bridge the gap in live music experiences, which are often dominated by loud grandeur and spectacle, by creating a quieter and more personal atmosphere. Statement A is incorrect as it describes conventional concerts. Statement C is partially correct as it promotes classical music, but not exclusively, and the primary objective is the format itself. Statement D is incorrect as the focus is on experience and intimacy, not necessarily mass appeal or emerging artists.
3. With reference to the adaptation of compositions for instrumental performances in formats like 'Mehfil-e-Sufi', consider the following:
- A.Harmony plays a crucial role in conveying emotional narrative in the absence of lyrics.
- B.Percussionists in such settings focus on maintaining a strong, driving rhythm to keep the audience engaged.
- C.The original compositions are treated as fixed structures, with minimal creative deviation by the performers.
- D.Vocalists are essential to carry the emotional depth of Sufi compositions, even in instrumental renditions.
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statement A is CORRECT. Ashwin Krishnan, the keyboardist, explained that harmony acts as a different language to convey the emotional arc when lyrics are absent. Statement B is INCORRECT. Percussionist Makrand Sanon described his approach as 'flowy,' weaving around the melody and focusing on texture and mood rather than driving rhythm, emphasizing listening more than playing loudly. Statement C is INCORRECT. Krishnan stated that original compositions are treated as starting points, allowing for fresh renditions with added nuances. Statement D is INCORRECT. Megha Rawoot mentioned that without vocals, the music itself had to carry the entire emotional narrative, implying that vocalists are not essential for conveying emotional depth in this format.
Source Articles
‘Heart’ of Sufism - The Hindu
What is Sufism? - Frontline - The Hindu
Contribution of Sufi poets highlighted - The Hindu
Book Review: Muzaffar Alam's 'The Mughals and the Sufis' explores the Sufi influence in Mughal rule - Frontline
‘Sufiyum Sujatayum’ movie review: Love and sufism disappointingly remains skin-deep - The Hindu
About the Author
Richa SinghPublic Policy Researcher & Current Affairs Writer
Richa Singh writes about Polity & Governance at GKSolver, breaking down complex developments into clear, exam-relevant analysis.
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