New Delhi, May 20 (IANS): A two-day festival of Punjabi classical music in the capital will focus on the genre of 'khayal gayeki', a form of classical music, organisers said Wednesday.

The annual festival "Punjabi Kheyal Bandishes (compositions) and Sufiana Kalaam" will begin from May 21-22 at the India International Centre.

It is organised by Delhi's Punjabi Academy, and art, culture and languages department.

"Punjabi is the only other language, apart from Braj Bhasha, in which kheyal bandishes have been written over the centuries," said Art, Culture and Language Secretary Geetanjali Gupta.

"Over the last two centuries, Hindustani musicians from Punjab and other states have sung these compositions. We also want to encourage research and presentation in this art form which is languishing, as it is an intrinsic part of our composite culture," she added.

The festival will begin with a performance by singer Balwant Singh Namdhari followed by Raza Ali Khan, grandson of legendary ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan Saheb.

The second day will sprinkle flavours of qawwali among the audience.