‘During monsoon, Delhi's monuments & baghs are a visual treat'
Monsoon
brings with it a lot of issues, but despite that, the joy of watching everything around you get drenched after a harsh summer is undeniable. Delhi, with its red sandstone monuments and baghs, looks particularly beautiful in the monsoon, and what better way to enjoy this than weekend heritage walks? Layeba Mirza, curator at Tales of City, which organises monsoon walks, says, 'These walks are invitations to listen deeply, walk mindfully, and reconnect with art, rain, and the stories around us.
Rains in Delhi are tricky but despite the challenges, stepping out for heritage walks is worth it.'
'Discovering the city in the rain is something which is very special' (Pic: @unzip_delhi)
'Monsoon makes heritage spaces a visual treat'
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Ramit Mitra, founder of Delhi By Foot, who has been conducting monsoon-special walks for a few years, says, 'During the rains, the sandstone looks red and the marble looks whiter, making the heritage spaces a visual treat. The series of monsoon walks, collectively called Monsoon Masarrat, has been a favourite among heritage enthusiasts.
From Mehrauli Archaeological Park, Kamla Nehru Ridge to yesteryear's beloved picnic spot, Buddha Jayanti Park, participants explore places that were historically popular as monsoon spaces, when streams used to swell up due to the rains.
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'During monsoons, the focus is on exploring Delhi's gardens and baghs'
'The intangible stories of the monsoon blend with the tangible heritage of the monuments, which intrigues people. Fountains and water channels look lively, allowing people to get an idea of what they were like in their full glory.
People engage more, listen to stories and poetry, share childhood memories, and enjoy the vibe,' walk coordinator Kashifa Nadeem says about the vibrant atmosphere of the monuments in monsoons.
Mirza adds, 'During monsoons, the focus is on exploring Delhi's gardens and baghs, which were designed as rainy-season retreats.'
'Monsoon is the demarcation of starting off the heritage walk season' (Pic: @sikkawala)
Monsoon elevates the experience of listening to stories, while walking through the ruins of Mehrauli and the much-alive green patches surrounding it
Padmini, a participant at a recent monsoon walk
Culture revivalist Abu Sufiyan says, 'While summer are spent curating museum tours, baithaks and experiences, the monsoon sets the pace for outdoor heritage walks.'
Heritage walk host Shah Umair recently conducted an evening walk at Safdarjung Tomb with Delhi's classic downpour as the backdrop. 'As sawan is considered the beginning of everything beautiful and new, I would consider this as the demarcation of starting off the heritage walk season.
It also psychologically affects you, so that you start feeling happy after the harsh summer,' he says.
Glimpses of Delhi By Foot's first monsoon walk at Mehrauli Archaeological Park, hosted as a part of Monsoon Masarrat
The city feels alive yet intimate: Photography enthusiasts
Photo walks encourage photographers to capture the city through a new lens.
'The city feels alive yet intimate. I recommend monuments and old streets since they offer not only beautiful backdrops but also real stories with children playing in puddles, women in colourful saris, and people moving through rain-soaked lanes. These human elements add life and emotion to your frames,' says professional photographer Ayush Krishna Tripathi.
He adds that the light becomes soft and reflections shimmer on the streets, making it the perfect time for photography.
'Getting out of your comfort zone to click is most important,' says Virendra Shekhawat, founder of Delhi Photography Club. He adds, "Photographers love the water, the feel of clouds, and the quality of light that we get during the monsoon. The pictures look more crisp and sharp with defined shades of green."
Amid rains, ictures look more crisp and sharp with defined shades of green (Pics: Delhi Photography Club)
It is interesting to experience parts of Delhi in a weather that you enjoy. Garmiyon mein woh vibe nahi aati. During the rains, one gets to see these historical gems in their cleanest form
Garima Bhutani, who is a regular at monsoon walks
Monsoon walks bring the city together
Mohammad Anas Khan, founder of Unzip Delhi, says, 'Discovering the city in the rain is something which is very special, because of the current cycle of how we are as corporate employees, we are stuck in our 4x4 cubicles. Stepping out into the rain is a nostalgia for a lot of people, that is what makes the monsoon walk special.'
- Sara Siddiqui and Shivika Manchanda
Pics: Lokesh Kashyap
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Time of India
6 days ago
- Time of India
‘During monsoon, Delhi's monuments & baghs are a visual treat'
Immersed in stories: Delhi joins heritage and photo walks during monsoon Monsoon brings with it a lot of issues, but despite that, the joy of watching everything around you get drenched after a harsh summer is undeniable. Delhi, with its red sandstone monuments and baghs, looks particularly beautiful in the monsoon, and what better way to enjoy this than weekend heritage walks? Layeba Mirza, curator at Tales of City, which organises monsoon walks, says, 'These walks are invitations to listen deeply, walk mindfully, and reconnect with art, rain, and the stories around us. Rains in Delhi are tricky but despite the challenges, stepping out for heritage walks is worth it.' 'Discovering the city in the rain is something which is very special' (Pic: @unzip_delhi) 'Monsoon makes heritage spaces a visual treat' You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi Ramit Mitra, founder of Delhi By Foot, who has been conducting monsoon-special walks for a few years, says, 'During the rains, the sandstone looks red and the marble looks whiter, making the heritage spaces a visual treat. The series of monsoon walks, collectively called Monsoon Masarrat, has been a favourite among heritage enthusiasts. From Mehrauli Archaeological Park, Kamla Nehru Ridge to yesteryear's beloved picnic spot, Buddha Jayanti Park, participants explore places that were historically popular as monsoon spaces, when streams used to swell up due to the rains. " 'During monsoons, the focus is on exploring Delhi's gardens and baghs' 'The intangible stories of the monsoon blend with the tangible heritage of the monuments, which intrigues people. Fountains and water channels look lively, allowing people to get an idea of what they were like in their full glory. People engage more, listen to stories and poetry, share childhood memories, and enjoy the vibe,' walk coordinator Kashifa Nadeem says about the vibrant atmosphere of the monuments in monsoons. Mirza adds, 'During monsoons, the focus is on exploring Delhi's gardens and baghs, which were designed as rainy-season retreats.' 'Monsoon is the demarcation of starting off the heritage walk season' (Pic: @sikkawala) Monsoon elevates the experience of listening to stories, while walking through the ruins of Mehrauli and the much-alive green patches surrounding it Padmini, a participant at a recent monsoon walk Culture revivalist Abu Sufiyan says, 'While summer are spent curating museum tours, baithaks and experiences, the monsoon sets the pace for outdoor heritage walks.' Heritage walk host Shah Umair recently conducted an evening walk at Safdarjung Tomb with Delhi's classic downpour as the backdrop. 'As sawan is considered the beginning of everything beautiful and new, I would consider this as the demarcation of starting off the heritage walk season. It also psychologically affects you, so that you start feeling happy after the harsh summer,' he says. Glimpses of Delhi By Foot's first monsoon walk at Mehrauli Archaeological Park, hosted as a part of Monsoon Masarrat The city feels alive yet intimate: Photography enthusiasts Photo walks encourage photographers to capture the city through a new lens. 'The city feels alive yet intimate. I recommend monuments and old streets since they offer not only beautiful backdrops but also real stories with children playing in puddles, women in colourful saris, and people moving through rain-soaked lanes. These human elements add life and emotion to your frames,' says professional photographer Ayush Krishna Tripathi. He adds that the light becomes soft and reflections shimmer on the streets, making it the perfect time for photography. 'Getting out of your comfort zone to click is most important,' says Virendra Shekhawat, founder of Delhi Photography Club. He adds, "Photographers love the water, the feel of clouds, and the quality of light that we get during the monsoon. The pictures look more crisp and sharp with defined shades of green." Amid rains, ictures look more crisp and sharp with defined shades of green (Pics: Delhi Photography Club) It is interesting to experience parts of Delhi in a weather that you enjoy. Garmiyon mein woh vibe nahi aati. During the rains, one gets to see these historical gems in their cleanest form Garima Bhutani, who is a regular at monsoon walks Monsoon walks bring the city together Mohammad Anas Khan, founder of Unzip Delhi, says, 'Discovering the city in the rain is something which is very special, because of the current cycle of how we are as corporate employees, we are stuck in our 4x4 cubicles. Stepping out into the rain is a nostalgia for a lot of people, that is what makes the monsoon walk special.' - Sara Siddiqui and Shivika Manchanda Pics: Lokesh Kashyap
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Time of India
Walk Of Faith That Brings City To Life. And Halt
New Delhi: For a few weeks each year, Delhi slows down, not the traffic, but the city's tone. The sense of urgency diminishes, the noise changes. Roads normally jammed with honking cars and office-bound buses now also echo with chants of 'Har har Mahadev!' This is time for the kanwar yatra and the capital, every year, surrenders to its fervour. Starting from July 11 this year and going on till July 23, the yatra sees lakhs of devotees from across Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab and Delhi passing through the capital, most of them headed for Hardwar, Gaumukh or Gangotri to collect holy Ganga water. They carry the water back, most of them barefooted, to offer at Shiva temples in their localities. The last three days of the yatra tend to be the busiest, with massive movement of the kanwariyas. As many as three crore kanwariyas are expected to walk on city roads during the period. There's also transformation of the city's landscape: saffron flags flutter everywhere, loudspeakers blasting Bholenath's bhajans on loop, the air smells faintly of incense and fried snacks, and everywhere there are barefoot pilgrims garbed in orange, some carrying simple bamboo kanwars, others hauling elaborate, LED-lit, mirror-decked ones that brighten up the night. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why seniors are rushing to get this Internet box – here's why! Techno Mag Learn More Undo They walk for hours, often six or more, with a stick in hand for balance and safety, usually in groups. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi Yellow and orange camps pop up regularly, some modest, others well organised. This year, Delhi has over 370 registered camps, more than double the number from last year. Many are equipped with air coolers, first-aid stations, fluffy mattresses and full meal arrangements. Some kanwariyas can be seen resting, bathing or just chatting after long hours of walking. The camp put up by Mayapuri Kanwar Sangh is so big that it can accommodate around 2,500 kanwariyas at a time. The elaborate food menu adds to the generosity of the organisers. The marchers enjoy fruits and plates of matar-kulcha or aloo tikki, handed out by local volunteers. Raju Mahajan, 57, one of the core organisers, knows that journey first-hand. His first yatra was in 1997. "Back then, there were hardly any camps for kanwariyas," he recalled. "That's how the sangh was born. To serve others — from devotion to duty." But not all camps are built for personal devotion alone. Some convey a different message. In Jaffrabad, one shelter stands out. Named Sadbhavna, it has been set up beside a mosque and is run entirely by members of the Muslim community. For them, it's more than just a resting spot for devotees of another religion. It's a symbol of harmony, of shared streets and common humanity. Seelampur MLA Zubair Chaudhary said the camp was first set up in 1994 in an attempt to curb communal disharmony in the area. It was the initiative of Chaudhary's father, Chaudhary Mateen Ahmed, a five-time Congress MLA. While the Chaudharys shifted allegiance to the Aam Aadmi Party before this year's assembly elections, the 31-year-old tradition of Muslims showering kanwariyas with rose petals continues. "Before 1994, when kanwariyas walked past our locality, fights, even riots, would break out. The resident here did not understand their chants of 'Bam Bam Bhole' or 'Har har Mahadev' and felt they were being provoked. The tension would carry forward to Seelampur, where Muslims were targeted in retaliation," disclosed the legislator. On Friday, when namaz was on, prayers were halted in respect of the kanwariyas when they appeared on the street. As the city vibrates to the annual rhythm of the yatra, every camp and every group along the road carries a story waiting to be told. For 18-year-old Krish, for example, it's his first yatra without his father, who died seven months ago. "He used to bring me for the yatra every year. It felt wrong to skip it," the teenager said. His friend Sachin walked beside him, both of them energised by the music accompanying their hike. Hazari Lal is out again with his male squad. In his 60s now, Lal has done the yatra 19 times. "Pehli baar jab aaya tha, kuch nahi tha, na paisa, na rasta," he smiled. "Didn't even know what I was looking for. But something clicked. Tab se har saal aata hoon." For some devotees, the yatra is routine. For others, preparation begins months in advance. And for Bhagwati and Chandraj, it's about companionship. "She won't go alone, so I come," says Chandraj. Bhagwati smiles: "It started with a mannat during a sad time. After its fulfilment, the wish to go on the yatra just arises from within." For them, it's not a ritual but a shared promise born in sorrow and now sustained by joy. Meanwhile, for Jeetu, the yatra has a sense of acknowledgement. He is a tailor in Ballabhgarh in Haryana. "I forget everything during this time. It feels important to go," he said. "There is a sense of belonging and empowerment among the kanwariyas." By July 23, most marchers will have reached their destinations. That's when the jal abhishek happens — the ritual pouring of the Gangajal over the Shivling on Sawan Shivratri. Till then, it's Delhi that encourages them, shelters them and watches them walk.
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Time of India
Swagat Dwars at 17 locations in capital
New Delhi: Delhi tourism minister Kapil Mishra on Wednesday said the BJP-led Delhi govt has set up 17 welcome gates for the Kanwar Yatra, similar to those seen at the Mahakumbh, to greet pilgrims entering the city during their pilgrimage. While inspecting the camps set up for pilgrims at the Apsara border in east Delhi, Mishra told reporters that 374 camps have been set up this year, more than double of what was arranged the previous year. "This year's arrangements are historic. The welcome gates are symbolic of our devotion. Twelve of them are named after the 12 Jyotirlingas, while the remaining ones are also dedicated to Lord Shiva," he said. Mishra added that the Delhi govt has made all preparations for the yatra, including arrangements for traffic, water, food, sanitation, and medical facilities. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi "People from all communities are participating in the welcome of the devotees," the minister said, adding that chief minister Rekha Gupta, accompanied by other cabinet ministers, will personally welcome the 'kanwariyas' (devotees of Lord Shiva) on July 20. The minister said multiple agencies have been deployed for the security of the pilgrims. "We are using drones, civil defence volunteers, Delhi Police, and paramilitary forces to ensure a smooth and safe yatra," he said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Dubai villas | search ads Get Deals Undo The minister also inspected the ongoing preparations for kanwar camps at Bhopura Border, Gokulpuri, and Maujpur. "All committees interested in setting up camps have been granted approval. The first instalment of financial aid has been transferred to their accounts," Mishra said, adding that dedicated walkways for pilgrims have been arranged ensuring minimal disruption to regular traffic. Meanwhile, leader of opposition Atishi inaugurated Sadhbhavana Kanwar Camp in northeast Delhi's Seelampur and called it a symbol of "Ganga Jamuni" culture. TNN
