It's time for rain dance

Gawwalis and elaborate old Delhi style meals, choreographed performances -- celebrating Purani Dilli promises to bring all the romance back to the capital

Gawwalis and elaborate old Delhi style meals, choreographed performances -- celebrating Purani Dilli promises to bring all the romance back to the capital

Seems like the Capital is in a mood to celebrate the month of saawan. A two-day festival is being organised by India Harmony Foundation this month to celebrate not only the joy of rains but the joy that efforts of some people have brought to the nation by contributing towards social upliftment. Qawwals from the Chisti Gharana from Dargah Sharif will entertain the gathering and the second day will see a sumptuous meal hosted in typical old Delhi style.


Zakia Zaheer

Rvisiting Delhi's past
As part of the celebrations, there will be a choreographed piece conceptualised by Kathak exponent Shovana Narayan. The festival attempts to revisit the culture that once signified Delhi -- the music, the aura, the dance -- all those things that marked Bahadur Shah Zafar's reign. It will bring to life once again the songs and dances of the common people of those times along with festivities of the royal court with poetry, dance and music that was composed by India's last Mughal emperor.

What's on the platter
The second day will celebrate the month of saawan in a way it used to be celebrated in Puraani Delhi during the reign of Bahadur Shah Zafar. A cultural performance will be followed by a dinner which will feature a specially designed menu of Kayasth and Bania recipes that has been designed by hospitality industry experts.
There will be among others Besan and methi poori, Warqui Parantha, Pateela Kebab, Kalmi Vada. Aloo Bedmi, Shab Degh (lamb kofta curry with turnips) and Murgh Musallam are some of the many offerings in the main course while Sev Ki Barfi (saawan ki mithai), Lachhedar Rabri, Mewa Ki Kheer (dry fruits and saffron) make up the dessert section. These are some of the dishes that used to be eaten in Kayastha and Vaish families of the Walled City.

At India International Centre, Max Mueller Marg
On July 18 and 19
Timings 6.30 onwards
Ring 24619431

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