Monsoon, Mehrauli and More!

Monsoon brings respite to the scorching summer heat and is possibly the most celebrated season in India. Monsoon awakes the Nature from its deep slumber and turns its dry arid lands into beautiful green picturesque landscapes.

To celebrate the season of showers, the Government of Delhi organised for the first time ever, a three-day ‘Mehrauli Monsoon Festival’ at Mehrauli from August 30-September 1, 2019. This three-day cultural extravaganza aimed at integrating and celebrating the rich heritage of Mehrauli and promoting tourism into the area. The Festival was organised at Mehrauli’s three significant locations – Aam Bagh, Jahaz Mahal and Jharna. The event witnessed unbelievable footfalls and participation from audiences across age groups and communities from the neighbourhood as well as Delhi.

The sprawling orchards of Aam Bagh was the perfect spot to host the monsoon fair and was aptly done up in the theme of a village style fair. The orchard had a separate corner each for crafts bazaar, food stalls, entertainment zone, games, etc. Local artist performances, interesting contests and unlimited local flavour like kachhi ghodi, puppet show, stilt walkers, folk dances and singing, and traditional jhoole marked the three days at Aam Bagh. Jharna was the artists haven with painting and sculpting workshops along with heritage and ecological walks.

The evenings were booked for cultural performances with the majestic Jahaz Mahal as the backdrop. The historic monument was decorated in the theme colours of mustard yellow and magenta and was witness to some excellent performances. The Festival was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Dy. Chief Minister of Delhi, Shri. Manish Sisodia in the presence of MLAs, dignitaries and many top government officials. At the Jahaz Mahal, the evenings were reserved for performances by renowned personalities like the Qutbi Brothers (one of India's most celebrated Qawwali singers), Rani Khanam and group (a renowned Kathak dance exponent), classical music maestros Kashish Mittal and Shashwati Mandol, Sufi and fusion music exponents Indira Naik and Sanket Naik. Bringing the curtains down to the mega event was the breathtaking performance of Bollywood singer, Javed Ali on September 1, 2019. Yes, you heard it right! Javed Ali live in concert at the Jahaz Mahal had entire Delhi grooving to his tunes.