Celebrating the harmony and diversity of Delhi’s Phool Walon Ki Sair festival

Phool Waalon Ki Sair or the procession of the florists is a week-long festival and a unique phenomena when Hindus and Muslims together offer the floral chaadar and pankha at the Dargah of Khwaja Bakhtiar 'Kaaki' in Mehrauli. (Express photo: Tashi Tobgyal)

The floral pankha and chhatra (canopy) is offered at the ancient temple of Devi Yogmaya in Mehrauli. The pankha has become a symbol of communal harmony and national integration. (Express photo: Tashi Tobgyal)

This year, the festival will be concluded on October 19. It usually takes place just after the monsoon gets over and winter sets in. (Express photo: Tashi Tobgyal)

During the festival, a day is fixed when shehnai is played at the Delhi Secretariat to herald the festival and take the blessings of the Chief Minister of Delhi and a pankha is presented to the Chief Minister of Delhi and the Chief Secretary of Delhi. (Express photo: Tashi Tobgyal)

Some of the events which are lined up during the week-long festival include Qawwalis, shehnai procession, kabaddi, wrestling, dance and street performances. (Express photo: Tashi Tobgyal)

The festival is being celebrated since the Mughal period (1812). The festival of flowers will travel to India Gate and Chandni Chowk from Gauri Shankar Temple. (Express photo: Tashi Tobgyal)