Musical Genre

Qawwali

A form of Sufi devotional music originating from South Asia.

Cultural Significance

Qawwali is performed to inspire spiritual ecstasy and bring listeners closer to the divine. It expresses profound love and longing for God through poetry and music.

Historical Context

Developed in the 13th century in the Indian subcontinent as part of Sufi Islamic practice. Spread throughout South Asia, becoming a major musical tradition.