Inside Kathika, a new museum-haveli in Old Delhi

(Source: Sundeep Bali via Kathika)

Kathika pledges to provide an exclusive platform for performing arts, seminars, movies, culinary experiences, and interactive panels—the kind of space that has become uncommon in the jam-packed nature of Delhi — just a 5-minute rickshaw ride from the Chawri Bazaar metro station. Atul Khanna, its creator, is the brains behind the project.

Khanna describes Kathika as a humble beginning to establish a vibrant culture of performing arts and forgotten crafts in the heart of Old Delhi. “I am not recreating Dilli-6 in New Delhi….my vision is to enhance the raw beauty and period feel of Old Delhi in its own ecosystem,” he told indianexpress.com. 

The term “Kathika” refers to a collection of short stories that reflect the history of their environs, particularly the city’s centuries-old Ganga-Jamuna tehzeeb, and draws on the storytelling traditions of dastangoi and kathawachan (oral storytelling).

Kathika’s goal is to provide a singular experience for its visitors by reviving the history and fusing nostalgia with originality.

(Source: Sundeep Bali via Kathika)

Visitors begin a journey through time as soon as they enter the heritage Haveli-turned-museum, learning about Delhi’s intriguing past through interactive displays, immersive audio-visual performances, and live narrative performances.

“Kathika, as the name suggests, is a haveli of stories, tales and fables,” said Khanna. “A visitor is wary of Old Delhi only till he visits Kathika once. Thereafter he is a friend, seeker and patron of all that Kathika has to offer.”

(Source: Sundeep Bali via Kathika)

Khanna said that their team has worked diligently to create curated events at Kathika. “Every get-together has a mood and flavour unique and eclectic,” he added.

This hard work is reflected in each wall of the museum-haveli. The walls of one room are covered with iconic black-and-white images from Delhi’s renowned Mahatta Photo Studio. These contain a range of pictures that show the nation’s capital in all its splendour before independence.

There are breathtaking images of the Ram Leela Maidan’s enormous Ferris wheel, the Jama Masjid during Eid, Delhi’s trams, and more. The future library will largely be made up of a collection of books that are devoted to history and culture.

(Source: Sundeep Bali via Kathika)

Other works of art and artifacts at the museum are either gifts from friends and family or items from Khanna’s personal collection.

Story telling sessions, book readings, dance recitals, heritage walks, Shayari and singing, drum circle, film screenings, kid’s fun days are some of the offerings Kathika has.

“We also have community events where the kids learn about the heritage around them, photography classes and public speaking is encouraged,” Khanna said.

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