India, Dec. 17 -- The fact that the crowds have swelled is obvious even to a casual observer who has been visiting Jashn-e-Rekhta since its second edition. How many of them reached the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium for the pure love of Urdu could be anyone's guess as the festival has gradually acquired the connotation of must-be-seen at event in the December calendar. Or maybe it has just become the place to rub shoulders with Bollywood celebrities or post check-ins on social media as the number of people clicking selfies at several premier spots were practically tripping over each other.

While entering, one encountered the beautiful pandals with colourful strips adorning the ceiling at each venue. There were, of course, performance...