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World Routes

The Nizamuddin shrine in Delhi

Episode image for The Nizamuddin shrine in Delhi Play now

Duration: 45 minutes

1/2. In the first of two award-winning programmes, first broadcast on BBC World Service, Jameela Siddiqi attends the all-night festival at the cradle of Sufi music, the Nizamuddin shrine in Delhi.

She attends a special performance by the Nizami Qawwal, the shrines resident musicians, and discovers qawwalis both public and secret. She talks to pilgrims and describes the mystical experience of visiting the shrine.

Music and featured items

11 items
Timings are shown from the start of the programme in hours and minutes

  • Nizamuddin's grave

    Jameela Siddiqi visits Sufi master Nizamuddin's grave of the cradle of classical Qawwali.

  • Music Played

    • 00:01
      Artist Image

      Nizami Qawwal A Qawwali in praise of Ali

      BBC Recording

  • Sufi Music and the quest for enlightenment

    Jameela discovers the origins of Sufi music and the Sufi’s quest of enlightenment.

  • Sufi Song

    We hear a Sufi song about two lovers whose eyes meet. The song has a spiritual message.

  • Music Played

    • 00:14
      Artist Image

      Nizami Qawwal Our eyes met

      BBC Recording

  • Nizmi Qawwal

    Nizami Qawwal invite Jameela to dinner and a private recital of their secret qawwalis.

  • Music Played

    • 00:26
      Artist Image

      Nizami Qawwal Unknown

      BBC Recording

    • 00:31
      Artist Image

      Nizami Qawwal unknown

      BBC Recording

  • Mystical experience

    Jameela describes the mystical experience of visiting the tomb of Sufi master, Nizamuddin.

  • Wedding night qawwali

    We hear a qawwali about wedding night passion and a strong love between the couple.

  • Music Played

    • 00:35
      Artist Image

      Nizami Qawwal A wedding song

      BBC Recording

Broadcasts

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