New Delhi:
Highlighting the cultural and ecological significance of Mehrauli as a tourist destination, the three day long ‘Mehrauli Monsoon Festival’ was inaugurated by Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia here on Friday. The festival is being organised by the Delhi Tourism. MLA, Naresh Yadav and senior officer of Delhi and Tourism Department were also present on this occasion.
The three day festival will showcase multiple workshops, heritage walks and cultural performances among other activities across three venues – Aam Bagh, Jahaz Mahal and Jharna.
Inaugurating the festival Sisodia said, “I am pleased to launch Mehrauli Monsoon Festival organised by the Delhi Government. We hope it will help promote Mehrauli as a destination for locals and travellers and in-turn give an opportunity for visitors to explore the layered history of Delhi’s oldest surviving habitation. Mehrauli was considered to be Delhi’s monsoon retreat. I urge all Delhiites to celebrate the season in this historic location, exploring its rich culture, ecology and heritage.”
The Deputy Chief Minister said that Delhi government will organise the programmes of Art, Culture and Amusement at the doorstep of the people for their entertainment and encouragement.
The first day saw soulful performances by Qawwali Singers- Qutbi Brothers, Kathak Artist-Rani Khanam & Group and other cultural artists by Sahitya Kala Parishad. A special heritage walk organized by history enthusiast Darwesh took curious Delhiites on a journey through old lanes of Mehrauli. Many visitors thronged to the three venues to witness Delhi’s history come alive.
The weekend will witness a stellar line-up of artists such as Javed Ali, alongside Folk and Classical dance performances. Spread over three core venues in Mehrauli village, the Aam Bagh will showcase local and folk-art forms and host a vibrant Mela, proffering a myriad of dishes and stalls native to the Capital and surrounding States. The Jahaz Mahal is the hub of musical concerts whereas the Jharna will house workshops for visitors. The complete line up of events is as follows:
Workshops on painting, sculptures and ecology will be held every day for the duration of the festival to engage visitors and enable a better understanding of our rich artistic lineage.
The general manager of Delhi tourism, D. Verma informed that free shuttle service is being provided from Chattarpur Metro Station to the venue and back to facilitate visitors.
