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