The spirit of Hindi literature came alive at the Siri Fort Auditorium this Sunday as the Rekhta Foundation hosted the much-awaited Hindwi Utsav 2025.
From poetic verses to thought-provoking conversations and powerful musical performances, the evening offered an unforgettable celebration of Hindi language, culture, and expression.
The event saw a packed house of literature lovers, students, and cultural enthusiasts from all walks of life. The Utsav aimed to showcase the richness and relevance of Hindi in modern times, and it delivered exactly that.
The festival opened on a reflective note with renowned educationist Krishna Kumar, who spoke about the role of Hindi in education and the emotional bond people share with their mother tongue. He was followed by celebrated poet Ashok Vajpeyi, who enchanted the audience with his insights on poetry and the importance of preserving literary spaces in today’s fast-paced world.
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One of the biggest highlights of the evening was the presence of Swanand Kirkire, the much-loved lyricist and singer, who moved the audience with a combination of personal stories, poetry, and music.
Fellow singer-songwriter Rahgir brought the stage alive with his powerful musical performance that blended contemporary folk with strong lyrical storytelling. His set had the audience clapping, cheering, and even singing along.
Veteran writer Mridula Garg shared her reflections on writing in Hindi, especially navigating changing times and readers.
The event also featured a panel discussion moderated by senior journalist and editor Smita Prakash, who steered an engaging conversation on how digital platforms, youth movements, and cross-genre art forms are contributing to the resurgence of Hindi among younger generations.
Young voices also got the spotlight, with college students performing poetry, short skits, and music segments throughout the evening.