"Soz-khwani”, is a poetic & musical expression of a battle against tyranny in Karbala 1400 years ago by a group of seventy two people. This poetic and musical form is a beautiful expression of human emotions weaved in Indian symbols, narration of life and culture. This Art form is performed traditionally during the month of Muharram. Muharram is month of mourning for Shia Muslims. The form is performed during the close gatherings in an event called the “Majalis” where people gather for mourning for the sacrifices made in Karbala. The Art form has really been an important tradition of Awadh in India in terms of classical Awadhi, Urdu and some Persian poetic forms. Soz-khwani is also very much part of the folk music traditions of Awadh though not widely appreciated as they have been only closely associated to personal religious beliefs and traditions. The compositions for Soz-Khwani are based on the Indian Ragas. The Art form was part of many Shia family traditions in Awadh but now there are very few families who are still holding this tradition. The family Askari comes from belongs to a ‘Qasba’ (town) situated in the heart of Awadh called Mustafabad in Raebareli district of Uttar Pradesh in India. The family has been practicing and has preserved the Art form in a similar way like any other oral cultural traditions. But now there are very few in our generation who are practicing these classical forms.

ASKARI NAQVI is Lucknow based performing artist. Soz Khwani and Dastangoi are two different Art forms he performs. He is also a student of music and getting trained under Pandit Amit Mukerjee. He has performed Soz Khwani and Dastangoi to national and international acclaim.

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