Festivities have always been an integral part of the Indian Culture. Every year, we Indians celebrate a variety of festivals to mark the important days and dates that are related to our culture and tradition. Amongst all the festivals,Phoolwalon ki Sair or the flower sellers festival is a unique festival celebrated with vibrancy and in high spirits. Also connoted Mehrauli flower festival, each year the fair witnesses the procession of flower-sellers proceeding towards the flower-sellers promenade in Mehrauli, Delhi after the onset of monsoon.Touching Back History
In 1942, during the British rule in India, this festival was abolished. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru re-instituted the festival in the year 1962 and since then, every year the flowers festival in Delhi is celebrated with great pomp and show.
Origin of the Mehrauli Flower Festival dates back to the times of Emperor Akbar Shah II. Bahadur Shah Zaffar was chosen as prince to succeed the throne of Emperor Akbar. But Mumtaz, the favourite queen of the emperor persuaded him to change the decision to make her son Mirza Jahangir, the successor to the throne. The attempt failed and Mirza Jahangir was sent to exile by the Britishers. Mumtaz Mahal then took a vow that if her son returned safely back to Delhi, she would offer a massive flowerbed at the holy shrine of Khwaja Bakhtiyar Kaki at Mehrauli. Later the prince returned back safely to Delhi and a beautiful flowerbed with fans was offered at the tomb of the saint. This flowerbed along with the fan was carried by the queen in ceremonial procession towards the tomb.
The festival became a grand celebration in the reign of Bahadur Shah Zafar. Since then, every year the King, the Queen and the entire court would visit the tombs of Humayun, Safdarjung, and Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia and then further move towards Mehruali for the reception. The delicacies for the occasion were prepared by the queens themselves.
What to Expect?
Mehrauli Flower Festival (Photo: Prashant Bhardwaj)
The uniqueness of this festival lies in its celebrations as the procession proceeds from Temple of Jogmaya to the tomb of Saint Qutubuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki while passing through the streets of Mehrauli. The atmosphere looks vibrant with the sounds of Shehnai and enthusiastic fire dancers dancing to its tunes.
Yogmaya Temple also known as Jogmaya temple, is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Yogmaya, the sister of Krishna, and situated in Mehrauli. (Photo: Ddlogo)
Tomb of Sufi saint, Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki in Mehrauli (Photo: Ekabhishek)
Both Hindus and Muslims celebrate this festival together marking the spirit of oneness and peace among the two most talked about communities of the world. The festival is observed by one and all in the village of Mehrauli. It is also known as Sair-e-Gulafroshan with floral tributes offered simultaneously both at Dargahs and temples. One may witness the foot tapping kathak dances, unforgettable qawwalis, blaze of lights; palm leaves fan, colorful décor at this festival.
Qawwalis
Quirky cultural programmes also take place at Jahaz Mahal, which was originally built by the Lodhis on the banks of Shamsi Talab (Large Pool). Near the Jahaz Mahal stands the Jogmaya Temple which was once the identity of the bustling city of Delhi. Muslims throng the tomb of Saint Qutubbudin Bakhtiyar and sing hymes and prayers in memory of this great saint.
Jahaz Mahal, Mehrauli
The entertaining part of this festival is when the young boys of villages jump into the nearby wells from heights to entertain the audience present during the celebrations. On the first day, the procession begins from the Jharna, a beautiful garden strewn with flowers, fans, musicians, athletes and soldiers in their colorful uniform. The streets of Mehrauli are lit with sparkling and decorative lights in order to welcome the procession. The ritual of Muslim ladies paying obeisance in gratitude to the saint has become a practice over the years.
Dangal at Mehrauli (Photo: Daily Mail)
Transcending the community barriers, this traditional fair celebration potrays a great example of communal harmony. So come, be a part of the Delhi Floral Festival 2012 on 28th of October and celebrate the feeling of oneness strewn with flowers!
Phoolwalan ki Sair (Photo: Nvvchar)
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