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>