Qawwali, also spelled qavvali, in India and Pakistan, an energetic musical perf of SufiMuslim poetry that aims to lead listeners to a state of religious ecstasy—to a spiritual union with Allah(God). The music was popularized outside of South Asia in the late 20th century, owing largely to its promotion by the world-music industry.
Qawwali comes from the Arabic word ‘qual’ (to say). Though many instruments such as harmonium, kaanch, dafli, dhol and tabla accompany qawwali rendition, it is basically the singer’s conversation with his Peer (spiritual guide). 
Qawwalis were originally sung in Persian and written by Khusro. Known as the‘father of qawwali,’ he was a poet at the court of more than seven rulers of the Delhi Sultanate and a disciple of Nizamuddin Auliya. One of his most popular compositions, ‘Aaj Rang Hai’ symbolises the divine rapture (jadhba) of Sufism.
Qawwali takes place in the context of a mehfil-e samāʿ, a "gathering for [spiritual] listening." The most significant of these gatherings take place in Sufi shrines on the anniversary of the death of the saint who is associated with the shrine. Lesser mehfil-e samāʿ are held throughout the year on Thursdays, when Muslims remember the deceased, or on Fridays, the day of prayer. Qawwali performances may also be arranged to offer spiritual nourishment on other special occasions.


Belonging to a 750-year-old tradition, the Nizami Bandhu team comprises descendants of qawwals who served the sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya. They continue to live in the premises of the Hazrat Nizamuddin dargah in New Delhi and sing at the shrine. In a theatrically-charged performance that underlined sufi music’s transcendental credentials, they come up with songs by Bulleh Shah, Rumi, Amir Khusro, Kabir and Surdas. Clad in pyjama, achkan and topi, the group led by Chand Nizami and his nephews Shadab Faridi Nizami and Shorab Faridi Nizami create a mystic atmosphere; their voices rising above all barriers and gliding over every groove with awe-inspiring. Nizami Bandhu, who travel across the world performing at social events and music festivals, generally sing in Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi. 
Today, few qawwals can sing in Persian. They also do not want their music to be restricted to dargahs and therefore are taking it to happening venues to reach out to a new-age audience. Veteran practitioners, however, are concerned about the genre losing its spiritual significance and poetic heritage. They feel qawwali, with its high-energy singing, rhythmic clapping and vibrant beats, has entered the realm of entertainment.