Festival time as Delhi turns 100 on Monday

Director General,ICCR,Suresh Goel told Newsline,“New Delhi had been an administrative centre for several centuries,even before the capital was shifted here from Calcutta. To understand Delhi’s history,one needs to look at all those years which actually turned the city into what it is today. We aim to show Delhi through the ages in this exhibition.”

The inauguration of the exhibition will be followed by a cultural evening called Mehfil-e-Dilli with performances by by renowned kathak dancer Shovana Narayan and a thumri recital by Dr Kumud Jha Diwan. While the exhibition and the cultural performances will be open to the public,the event will be followed by a special dinner (by invitation only) curated by an expert chef bringing together Delhi’s traditional delicacies.

Goel said the Azad Bhawan premises is being done up specially for the occasion on a Purani Dilli theme.

Meanwhile,the ongoing food festival Dilli Ke Pakwan at Baba Kharak Singh Marg continue to draw large crowds. Reliance Airport Metro Express has announced discounted fares over the weekend so that people can use the high-speed link to reach the venue. The nine-day food fest,which celebrates 100 years of Delhi and brings together a variety of flavours and cusines,will be easily accessible to the public with the Shivaji Stadium Metro station located right across the venue.

“ Delhi is in a festival mood. Thousands are coming to take part in the celebrations and to enjoy Delhi’s authentic street food and delicacies. We have slashed Metro fares by 50 per cent on Saturday and Sunday to encourage more people to take the Airport Metro. This will help cut traffic jams and minimise the travel time and cost,” said an official Delhi Airport Metro Express Private Limited (DAMEPL) spokesperson.

The Delhi government and the Ministry of Culture have no plans for December,but have chalked out an elaborate year-long itinerary to celebrate the city’s 100th year — starting January. A special advisory committee,comprising experts such as historians,heritage conservationists,representatives of civic agencies and senior government officials,has been set up to draw plans.