We are surrounded by a powerful oral tradition of mystic poetry and the voices of the Bhaktas, the Sufis and Bauls have spoken for centuries to countless people across South Asia. Mystic poetry harnesses both the power of surrender and resistance at the same time, speaking of love and interrogation in the same breath. It draws on the experience of the day-to-day to speak of the philosophical and the spiritual, challenging notions of knowledge, where it lies and who can access it.

Why do male mystic poets speak in the feminine voice? What emotions and experiences do they access by connecting with their feminine? Conversely, what are the explorations to be found in the voice of women mystics? How does this tradition investigate the notions of gender and identity?

After a beautiful evening on 7 years' celebration, we invite you to explore these questions in another immersive experience of music, poetry and, conversations with Shabnam Virmani. Something about Shabnam Virmani:

Shabnam Ji is a documentary filmmaker and artist in residence at the Srishti School of Art, Design, and Technology in Bangalore since 2002. Co-founder of the Drishti Media Arts and Human Rights collective, she has directed several documentaries, some of which have won awards. In 2002, she co-directed an award-winning community radio program with the Kutch Mahila Vikas Sangathan in Gujarat.

Join us on 17th September, 5:00 p.m onwards at Youth Alliance Office, Delhi.