Updates from Delhi

Back again after a long gap, mainly due to the constant reminders from my online friends! Delhi is a vibrant city, with all kinds of programs and activities, concerts and festivals, and it comes alive even more during this season. With our extreme climate, most months in the year are pretty hot and humid, so we make the most of this time, specially to go on guided "heritage" walks (which are held throughout the year) around a historical city dotted with monuments and shrines. I plan to post some photos every month of what's taking place, and to make a start, here are a few from November. The gaily bedecked "cycle rickshaws" (an old, and even now popular mode of transport in some parts of Delhi!) took us on a "Sufi trail" to little known shrines in the Nizamuddin area of New Delhi. In the backdrop is a monument called the "Sabz Burz", an enigmatic presence in the middle of swirling traffic.

The tour, which was part of the annual Nizamuddin mela, was followed by a magical, open air concert by a well known group called the Niazi brothers, against the backdrop of the historical "Chauasath Khamba". The Sufis believe music leads to the Divine, and it was easy to feel that. On the way home, we stopped at one of the numerous little shops which make Nizamuddin a favorite haunt! The hot "rotis" (Indian bread) served with mutton kebabs are a gourmet's delight! Here you see our rotis being prepared. The colorful folk dance was part of the Uttarakhand (a state in north India) festival at the Dilli Haat (you may remember photos from an old post)--a popular open air venue where thematic festivals are held. Next week, I will post some photos from recent heritage walks, so do come back! On another topic, you may remember my posts about the sterling work of artist-conservationist Sunitha Dhairyam. Well, she's now a member of "Artists for conservation"---do check out the link: http://www.natureartists.com/sunita_dhairyam.asp

Colorful crafts!

A glimpse of the hand crafted wares on sale at Dilli Haat...puppets, dolls and toys, hand woven carpets, items made of glass, beads and shells, hand painted panels, china ware, bamboo products, delicately embroidered Kashmiri "phirans" (like cloaks), toys....under the blue sky or colorful canopies!

Soak in the colors of India!

Dilli Haat (Dilli= Delhi and Haat= open air market place) is a popular haunt of Delhites and tourists--it's not only a shopper's and foodie's paradise, but an authentic glimpse of the colorful culture and traditions of India! Walk into the spacious open air forum with a welcome from folk dancers, taste the variety of Indian cuisine,(every state has an outlet to sell its specialities), buy hand made products from craftsmen who come from all over India (and sometimes demonstrate their skills)watch cultural programs, or simply soak in the dazzling colors of India!