A cultural gathering entitled “The Musical Worlds of Rumi and Hafez’s Poetry” was held at the Cultural Counsellorship of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Sri Lanka on Wednesday, 7 October 2026 (15 Mehr 1405). The event was organised in connection with the commemorations of Rumi on 8 Mehr and Hafez on 20 Mehr in the Iranian calendar, and was attended by poets, writers, translators, and enthusiasts of Persian culture and literature.

Mr Mahinda, Secretary of the Sri Lanka Association for Iran Studies, described Rumi and Hafez as treasures of humanity whose poetry transcends time. He noted that the messages conveyed by these luminous figures of Persian literature—humanism, peace, and solidarity—remain relevant to people around the world. For centuries, he added, readers and seekers of spiritual meaning across different countries have continued to recite and reflect on their poetry.

Mr Ali Kebriaei Zadeh, Cultural Counsellor of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Sri Lanka, spoke about the spiritual and mystical significance of Rumi and Hafez in Iranian culture, Persian literature, and world literature. He described the poetry of these two eminent poets as emerging from profound mystical experiences and spiritual insight.

He emphasised that their works contain not only ideas accessible to a broad audience, but also deeper layers of meaning that require spiritual growth and a heightened capacity for understanding. He further identified love as a central theme in the thought of Rumi and Hafez, describing it as a path towards recognising truth and approaching the mysteries of the Divine.

Dr Sasanka Perera, a retired professor of sociology and translator of a selection of Rumi’s poetry into Sinhala, reflected on the enduring appeal and universal significance of the works of Rumi and Hafez. Addressing the question of why the two poets continue to attract readers centuries after their time, he attributed their lasting influence to the beauty, depth, and artistic power of their poetry, which have enabled it to cross linguistic and cultural boundaries.

Emphasising that “art has no language,” Dr Perera presented the poetry of Rumi and Hafez as an example of art’s ability to connect people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Ms Audrey Barbarez, a Sri Lankan literary figure, also read her poem entitled “Beyond the Headlines,” which drew the attention of those attending the gathering. The poem has also been provided separately in Persian and English.

The programme concluded with video presentations featuring musical interpretations of the poetry of Rumi and Hafez, alongside live musical performances inspired by the works of these two distinguished poets. The performances highlighted the close relationship between Persian poetry and music and the continuing artistic vitality of their literary legacy.