From Mughals to Sufi poets, Holi has been part of Muslim culture, literature | The Indian Express

From Mughals to Sufi poets, Holi has been part of Muslim culture, literature | The Indian Express

Written by Khalid Alvi |Updated: April 8, 2019 7:22:21 am

The writer teaches Urdu literature at Zakir Hussain College, Delhi University.

From Mughals to Sufi poets, Holi has been part of Muslim culture, literature

The references to Holi are innumerable in Urdu poetry. Almost no important Urdu poet, from Khusrau to Sahir Ludhyanvi, left this topic untouched.

Before the Mughals, even Muslim Sufi poets had used this festive opportunity to propagate the message of brotherhood.

While most associate Holi with a Hindu ethos, even a cursory glance through the pages of history reveals otherwise. Holi always falls in the month of March, which in the Mughal era fell close on the heels of another significant festival, Navroz. Over time, both the festivals became twins.