Tahhaiyur, A Celebration of Art, Culture, and Youthful Expression
In the heart of Islamabad, Tahhaiyur, a vibrant and multi-faceted performing arts platform, is quietly but powerfully bringing about social change through art. Dedicated to creating a safe space — especially for the youth .Tahhaiyur encourages freedom of expression while reconnecting participants with Pakistan’s rich cultural roots, traditions, and fading art forms. Through literature, poetry, music, and classical dance, Tahhaiyur seeks to inspire and heal.
On the evening of Saturday, April 26, Tahhaiyur organized a beautiful Jashn-e-Baharan (Spring Festival) titled “Bahar Aayi” in Islamabad — a delightful literary and cultural gathering filled with color, rhythm, and lyrical beauty. The evening was hosted by Ismat Jabeen, a pioneer member of Tahhaiyur and an accomplished Kathak dancer, while the distinguished writer, poet, and Secretary of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, Haris Khalique, presided over the event.
The festival opened with a graceful Kathak performance, led by Zainab Dar — the founder, organizer, and visionary behind Tahhaiyur. Accompanying her were talented members of the Kathak team, including Huria Tariq, Sonaal Rizvi, Ismat Jabeen, Fariha Saqib, Areebah Shahid, Maria Memon, Maliha Shahid, Amber Naveed, Fahd Zulfiqar, Marita, Momal, Emaan, and others, who collectively delivered a spellbinding presentation. The expressive movements and intricate footwork captured the deep spirituality and emotional richness of Kathak, leaving the audience deeply moved.
“Our main feature is our Art of Kathak class, where students are taught both the theoretical and practical aspects of this classical dance form,” Zainab Dar told the reporters. “It’s a diverse and inclusive class, welcoming all genders, age groups, and nationalities. Twice a year, our students showcase their talent during our Mushaira ceremonies, providing young artists a rare and empowering chance to own the stage.”
Our main feature is our Art of Kathak class, where students are taught both the theoretical and practical aspects of this classical dance form,” Zainab Dar
Ismat Jabeen told the reporters, “The money we raise from these events is donated toward children’s education. We organize these celebrations twice a year. Tahhaiyur is a platform that promotes peace, and we are passionate about involving the young literary generation so that they, too, can become peacebuilders through the arts.”
Following the Kathak performances, the poetry recital portion of the evening showcased the blossoming talent of young poets. Among them, Rohini Harris Khalique stood out as one of the youngest participants to take the stage and recite her original qalam (poem), earning warm applause from the audience for her heartfelt expression and confidence.
Meesum Ali, an aspiring writer and singer, told the reporters, “In Pakistan, and especially in Islamabad, artists rarely get opportunities to perform on a real stage and showcase their talent. I recently had the pleasure to perform at Tahhaiyur, and it was an amazing experience. The audience, the preparations, the vibe of the place , everything was perfect. For the first time in my life, I felt heard. The crowd sang along with every sur and taal of my performance.”
Momil Ali, another participant, told the reporters, “I joined Tahhaiyur about three weeks ago, and it’s one of the best decisions I have ever made. Despite our different socioeconomic and geographic backgrounds, the environment fosters love, harmony, and mutual support. The day of the performance was exhilarating — hearing the applause and witnessing the culmination of our hard work was truly an honor.”
Areebah Shahid, who has been associated with Tahhaiyur for over a year and a half, told the reporters, “The journey so far has been extremely rewarding. Under the guidance of Zainab Dar, I have performed thrice, and each experience has been exhilarating. Through dance, I have been able to explore my own nuances, challenge my limits, and realize a childhood dream.”
Importantly, Tahhaiyur ensures that the proceeds from these events go toward supporting girls’ education ,underlining the platform’s commitment not only to cultural revival but also to social upliftment. In addition to the dance and poetry showcases, Tahhaiyur hosts an annual theatrical play, drawing from Urdu literature to highlight critical social issues and inspire thought-provoking dialogue.
Organizing such a literary and cultural festival in Islamabad is a deeply heartening sign , a powerful and practical testament to the belief that art, when nurtured with sincerity and passion, can drive meaningful change.
For those who couldn’t attend, here are a few glimpses of this unforgettable celebration , a festival where tradition met youth, and the spirit of spring blossomed in every heart.