PHOOLWALON KI SAIR

Phoolwalon Ki Sair – Festival of Flower Sellers
Phoolwalon Ki Sair, a three-day festival began from 22nd October this year . It is celebrated simultaneously at the dargah of Khwaja Bakhtiyar Kaki and at the ancient shrine of Devi Jog Maya A huge procession led by shehnai players and dancers moves from the temple of Jog Maya through the Mehrauli Bazaar to place curtains made of flowers on the tomb of Saint Qutubuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki. This is one of the few festivals in which both Hindus and Muslims participate with equal fervour
Cultural programme is oragnised every year at Jahaz Mahal (ship palace) built by the Lodhis on the banks of Shamsi Talab (once a large pool) at the end of the Mehrauli Bazar.

Unfortunately Mehrauli Bazar was target for bomb blast last month in which three persons lost their lives and scores were injured. The blast took place very close to Jahaz Mahal venue for cultural programme,

Here are some photos I took during 2006.

I hope this year programme will be successful as in past and not as feared by Mayank in his The Delhi Walla: Dateline Mehrauli - No Fervour for Phool Waalon ki Sair

Jahaz Mahal Decorated

Jahaz Mahal interior

Aerobic Dancers

Girls from Maharashtra

Drum Dancers from Karnatka

Pankhas from President of India

Ramesh Lalwani

22.10.2008

Ananya Dance Festival 2008

Bharat Natayam 2005 Kathak 2006
Katahk 2006

Ananya Dance Festival 08 : A five-day classical dance extravaganza in Delhi's Purana Qila is going on since 11th October 2008.This is seventh year since SEHER started it with support of Delhi Government.I have been attending it every year.I shall miss it this year as I am far away from Delhi.This years programme include Bhartnatyaam,Odissi,Kucthipudi .Addmission to programme is free and seating arrangement is excellent.Show starts at 7 PM and one should reach atleast 30 minutes earlier to get good seats.I recommend locals and tourist to attend this festival to get feel of Indian Classical dances.I am posting photos I took in2005 and 2006.
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DELHI MONUMENTS THROUGH MY CAMERA

          

 

After retirement from government service, I moved to Sarvodaya Enclave located near Mehrauli. Mehrauli and the area surrounding Sarvodaya Enclave is dotted with monuments including the famous Qutb Minar complex, declared as a World Heritage site. Infact, Begampur Masjid (mosque) is located right in the backyard of our colony. Having lived in Delhi for more than 50 years, I remember as a child climbing up the stairways of Qutb Minar and visiting well known monuments at different times; while escorting visitors for sightseeing or picnicing with friends and family. But now that I have spare time at my disposal, I have started revisiting monuments with a view of capturing the glorious heritage of our city. The compilation presented here is collection of photographs of monuments clicked by myself along with brief write-up (borrowed from available literature on the monuments). I have divided my photographs into seven geographical areas by the seven cities estabhished (during different periods) by the rulers of Delhi. The monuments that have come up outside these cities have been grouped separately. There are a still  number of monuments that I am yet to visit, and I propose to include these in my next revised edition.

I have published this book in September 2008.A preview can be seen at links below:

 

<a href="http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/350738/?utm_source=badge&amp;utm_medium=banner&amp;utm_content=140x240" target="_blank">                    </a>                                <a href="http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/350738?utm_source=badge&amp;utm_medium=banner&amp;utm_content=140x240">Delhi Monument...</a>                                                        By Ramesh Lalwani                        <a href="http://www.blurb.com/?utm_source=badge&amp;utm_medium=banner&amp;utm_content=140x240" target="_blank">                    </a>                    <a href="http://www.blurb.com/books/350738">Book Preview</a>

September Delhi Serial Blasts.

Once again mydelhi has been attacked by misguided fanatics.Sitting far away in California and reading Delhi news papers,I am sadden by plight of people who have lost their near and dear ones.Pictures of innocent small children Gali Number 42 Beadon Pura near Gaffar market have been captured by all papers with their sad stories.I have posted some photos I took after 2005 serial bomb blasts.People of mydelhi returned to normal life immediately and this time also I hear life is back to normal.I only hope good sense will prevail and no more lives will be lost.

Teach India

Collecting Polythene in Yamuna
Henna Artist
Rahul at Work
Children Selling Roses
Children Performing
Drop some coins please

Times of India after successful “Lead India” campaign has launched yet another very innovative programe “Teach India”. This programe is to mobilize volunteers to teach illiterate children. This morning edition carried a full page advertisement about children seeking alms on traffic light crossing and asked people instead of giving money, come forward and spare at least two hours a week to teach children .I am sure people of mydelhi will come forward and make this programe a great success. I had always been pained watching children at road crossings selling books magazines or seeking alms. Others seek tips after performing acrobatics during red light stoppage of vehicles.

GAY March Delhi

Masked
Gay Rights
Kiss Me
Queer Pride celebration was held in New Delhi on 29th June 2008 with more than 500 lesbian,gay,bisexual and trangender(LGBT) supporters marched from Barakhamba road to Jantar Mantar carrying their message on placards and rainbow flags. Some were concealing their identity with mask and other confidently showing their identity. One of demand was abolition of Section 377 of Indian Penal Code which treats (LGPT) as criminals. Here are some photos showing mood of participants.

mydelhi: CHILDREN OF DELHI

mydelhi: CHILDREN OF DELHI

PULSE POLIO CAMPAIGN

Girl getting Polio Drops

Getting Polio Drops at Home

Delhi Govenment has given top priority for eradication of Polio.One Sunday is declared "Polio Ravivar" Special camps are set up at large numbers of places including tourist places like Zoo,Qutab minar or Railway Stations.Following Sunday the workers visit residences and ensure everyone is coveed.Despite these efforts some case was reported here couple of months ago.

CHILDREN OF DELHI

Young boys selling pirated books and magazines is a common sight on major intersections in Delhi.This children risking their lives supplement their family income.I am happy that this issue has been taken up and an advertising agency has won an award at Cannes for their campaign under "Children of World " category.I had put up on net a similar photo used by agency.

National Zoological Park

Delhi Zoo is a important tourist spot.I went today to catch some photos.Day was nice and cloudy.I could get some nice shots.On return around 1430 met some school children from a village in Nuh tehsil in Gurgoan District.Some 500 children trip was sponsored by an NGOMessage on tee shirt reads"Come Lets Make a New World"