Popular Indian playback singer Harshdeep Kaur will open the fourth edition of the TV9 Festival of India in New Delhi on 16 October, setting the tone for five days of music, cultural performances, food and shopping. Her special concert, titled Noor-e-Ishq: Songs of the Soul, will bring together Bollywood hits, Sufi music and Punjabi melodies.
The performance is scheduled to begin at 7pm local time at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, near India Gate in the Indian capital. The concert will mark the start of the festival’s musical programme, offering audiences an opportunity to experience several strands of Indian music through the distinctive voice of a singer known for her versatility and emotive delivery.
Harshdeep, widely recognised by her fans as ‘Sufi Ki Sultana’, has established a prominent place in the Indian music industry through her work in Bollywood films and her performances of Sufi-inspired songs. Her repertoire includes ‘Katiya Karun’ from Rockstar, ‘Heer’ from Jab Tak Hai Jaan, ‘Kabira’ from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, ‘Dilbaro’ from Raazi and ‘Jugni Ji’ from Cocktail. Other popular tracks associated with her include ‘Zaalima’, ‘Nachde Ne Saare’, ‘Uff’ and ‘Jhak Maar Ke’.
Her contribution to Hindi film music has earned her recognition at major industry events. In 2019, she received the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Award for Best Female Playback Singer for ‘Dilbaro’, a song from Raazi. The track, which features prominently in the film’s emotional narrative, further strengthened her reputation as a singer capable of conveying depth and feeling through her voice.
Over the course of her career, Harshdeep has collaborated with several leading music composers, including A. R. Rahman, Amit Trivedi, Vishal–Shekhar and Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy. Her work has also extended beyond conventional Bollywood playback singing. She contributed to the Hollywood film 127 Hours, performed on Coke Studio India and served as a coach on the television singing competition The Voice India. In 2019, a contestant from her team won the competition.
The festival’s musical programme will continue on 17 October with a performance by Indian rapper Raftaar. Dandiya Nights are scheduled for 18–20 October, bringing a festive dance atmosphere to the event over its final three days.
The line-up includes BP Singh, Shreyas Dharmadhikari and DJ Shival on 18 October. The following day, the Nizami Brothers, Saurabh Shourya and DJ Veronica are due to perform. On 20 October, the festival will feature Falita, Mehfil-e-Khas and DJ Nitish Gulyani.
Music will be only one part of the wider festival experience. Running from 16 to 20 October, the event will open daily from 11am until 10pm. Visitors can also explore Durga Puja installations and pandals, browse shopping stalls and lifestyle products, sample food at the festival and attend cultural performances. Activities for children are also planned, making the event suitable for families as well as groups of friends.
The festival aims to bring entertainment, cultural traditions, food and retail experiences together in one venue. Its varied programme is designed to appeal to visitors with different interests, combining live music with opportunities to experience festive traditions and discover products and cuisine.
Harshdeep Kaur’s opening concert is expected to be a key attraction on the first day. Tickets for the performance are available through BookMyShow and District.
Event details
Artist: Harshdeep Kaur
Concert: Noor-e-Ishq: Songs of the Soul
Date: 16 October 2026
Time: 7pm local time
Venue: Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, near India Gate, New Delhi
Festival dates: 16–20 October 2026
Daily opening hours: 11am–10pm
Tickets: BookMyShow and District
