From Roshan-e-Dilli at Qutub Minar Complex, to Partition Diaries at Purana Qila: explore Delhi’s history with month-long walk fest

Inaugurating the walk, Delhi Tourism Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj said, “Delhi is not just the capital of modern India, it has been a seat of power for many centuries. Our vision is to ensure a tourist is able to see and understand the historical marvels of Delhi during their visit to the city.”

Other events which would be held as part of the festival are ‘Roshan-e-Dilli’ at Qutub Minar Complex, ‘Jewels of Delhi’, and ‘Partition Diaries’ at Purana Qila. The series of guided walks will help tourists and history enthusiasts delve into stories surrounding the seven cities of medieval Delhi and will help highlight the hidden gems of the national capital, according to the Delhi Tourism Department. Other events include a Sufi Walk, a stroll around the Mehrauli village that will engage people in pottery, ‘Delhi ka Dil Dekho’ walk that will start from the National War Memorial leading to the Kartavya Path, and ‘Purane Dilli ke Naye Log’ as part of which participants will get to explore heritage churches, temples, and mosques around the city.

As part of its initiative, the tourism department has invited historians, scholars, walk conductors, storytellers, and licensed guides to highlight unique aspects of Delhi’s history and culture.

Nitika Arora, co-founder and director of Darwesh Heritage Walks, was the walk leader for the inaugural session. “Northern India, being an arid region, used to be the host of many baolis or stepwells. During the Independence Census, it was found that the national capital alone had as many as 100 baolis…many were lost over the years; as of today, Delhi has only 10 to 12 baolis,” Arora said while explaining to the participants the history of Rajon Ki Baoli.

She further said baolis were used for the purpose of washing, cleaning and bathing, adding the steps around them would make it easier to clean them. “Baolis were built under the patronage of the rulers to impress the citizens… They were like the Facebook and Instagram of the era as people would come here to socialise, for which rooms were also built on the baoli premises,” Arora said.

A number of history, travel and photography influencers such as Dr Divya and Lavish Chandra were also invited to the event.

Rahul Bansal, a YouTuber, said, “The heritage walk is a great initiative by the tourism department to help explore the hidden heritage of Delhi.”

Heritage enthusiasts can book their slots at a “festive offer price” of Rs 500 by logging on to http://www.delhitourism@gov.in or contacting the Delhi Tourism office, from where they can also collect information on future events.