At Pritampura Dilli Haat,the whiff of a dying art

The Itr Festival began at Pritampura Dilli Haat on Thursday evening,bestowing the area with a fragrant evening. From thirty stalls in March last year,Delhi Tourism has now increased it to 40. “This is the second time we are hosting the Itr Festival. Last year,over 50,000 people thronged the festival. Gauging the huge response,we have increased the number of stalls this time. Also,we have organised a workshop for aromatherapy,cultural programmes and incense stick,” said Sudhir Sobti,Manager of Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation.

Mustaqeem had a different tale to tell. “The tradition of Kuppi and itr-making is dying in India. Nobody is interested in this form of art anymore. This tradition has been a part of the Mughal era,but hardly any effort has been made to preserve it. Coming to such events help creates visibility and awareness. I hope the authorities wake up before this art becomes extinct,” he said.

However,the brighter side to the festival was brought about by a family whose fourth generation was engaged in the manufacture of itr. “Although the demand for itr has declined tremendously,we are experimenting with several fragrances to increase its popularity. We are trying to leverage the use of itr for medicinal value,” said Atul Saini (27).