Kafi

Kafi is a form of Sufi poetry and a related musical tradition that developed in the Indian subcontinent, especially in the Punjab and Sindh regions, from roughly the 14th to 17th centuries. It is characterized by simple, direct language and the use of lyrical couplets and short stanzas to express devotional love for the divine, the Prophet, or the beloved, often through rich metaphor and natural imagery. The poetry is traditionally set to music and sung, blending folk melodies with classical sensibilities.

Kafi poems are closely associated with several Sufi poets, including Bulleh Shah, Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, Khwaja Ghulam Farid, and Shah Hussain. In Punjabi and Sindhi literature, the term kafi denotes both the poetic form and the musical genre in which verses are performed, sometimes with a refrain or chorus. The performance style emphasizes emotional expression and is a common feature of Sufi gatherings, folk concerts, and devotional recitation.

The tradition spread across languages such as Punjabi, Sindhi, Saraiki, and Kashmiri, and across communities in both Pakistan and India. In modern times, kafi remains a core element of South Asian devotional music, carried forward by classical and popular singers who render kafi in recordings, radio, and live performances, sometimes blending it with contemporary styles while preserving its traditional spirit.