A global tribute to Sadequain — Pakistan and Netherlands unite for 2026 Art Festival

By Zulqernain

The Sadequain Art Festival 2026, organized by the Intercultural Progressive Organization (IPS), will celebrate the creative and spiritual legacy of Sadequain — Pakistan’s internationally renowned painter, calligrapher, and Sufi poet.

    The festival aims to promote love, harmony, and cultural exchange between East and West. Since 1998, IPS has worked to bring cultures closer, encourage dialogue through the arts, and strengthen global relationships.

The festival will be inaugurated by Syed Haider Shah, Ambassador of Pakistan, alongside Dr. Salman Ahmed, Chairman of the Sadequain Foundation USA. This event is not only a tribute to Sadequain’s artistic and Sufi heritage but also a fresh example of cultural cooperation between Pakistan and the Netherlands.

Sadequain’s Sufi poetry will be performed in a unique spiritual and classical style by Muhammad Shehzad Mian Mari Qawwal of Lahore and his ensemble, Mian Mari Qawwal.

Their performance will honor the depth of Sadequain’s scholarly and spiritual vision while further strengthening cultural ties between the two countries.

A drama titled “Colors of Life, Together with Love”, inspired by Sadequain’s life, philosophy, and Sufi poetry, will be presented by Pakistani, Surinamese, and Dutch artists living in the Netherlands.

The production will creatively portray Sadequain’s artistic brilliance and universal message of love and humanity.

Adding to the festival’s multicultural spirit, the Dutch band Liefde will perform a fusion of Qawwali and Western music.

The band members will also announce future collaborative projects with IPS designed to create innovative musical experiences connecting diverse cultures.

 “The spirituality and emotions in Qawwali are unparalleled, and performing with IPS will be like a spiritual journey,” said Timo. Wouter added, “Blending instruments like dholak, tabla, or sitar with piano or guitar creates a vibrant new musical expression, and live improvisation will make each performance uniquely dynamic.” Denise noted, “Qawwali is not just music; it is an experience that enters the heart.

 Combining its emotional depth with Western melodies truly touches the soul.”

Muhammad Saeed, Chairman of IPS (InterculturalProgressiveOrganization)  emphasized the festival’s broader purpose: “Sadequain was not only a great painter but also a profound Sufi thinker whose art and poetry convey messages of love, peace, and humanity. We want this message to reach audiences around the world. Through art, music, and drama, we can bring people from different countries closer and promote positive international dialogue.” He added that IPS plans to organize more international cultural programs in the future, enabling artists from various backgrounds to collaborate, learn from one another, and spread the universal message of peace and harmony.

The Sadequain Art Festival 2026 is set to become a memorable milestone in cultural relations between Pakistan and the Netherlands.