Kakori: A Sufi Town - Need for the Holistic Revival

The Kakori, situated 14 Km towards north-west of Lucknow is a land of sacred sufi saints. The center of once flourishing Urdu poetry, literature and the Qadariya Qalandariya sufi order. The Shrine of Khanqahe Qazamiya Qalandariya- Takia Sharif, draws attention from the people all over the world which had patrons both from Hindu and Muslim religions. The town has grown all around these centers and we may say these sufi shrines act as a central pivot to the town. The festival of Urs is celebrated here where various intellects from different fields such as spirituality, research, astronomy, literature, poetry, dance, music, craft, cuisines and other cultural activities gather together to celebrate enthusiasm. Kakori once used to be the residential hub for most intellects of Awadh region like barristers, bureaucrats, advocates and many other major administrative designations before independence were in hold of the residents of Kakori as a result of which the town has magnificent Havelies and Kothis. Many transformations have been taken place in due course of time but still Kakori has been able to maintain its essence and living with high spirit& integrity The paper presents the inherent of the town with a wider perspective of multi- modal activities connecting nearby areas and the enhancement or holistic revival of shrine complex. The overall vision for Kakori is as a region for tourism, cultural activities and craft village.