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Phool Walon ki Sair in Delhi is a colorful procession or the festival of flower sellers. The Hindus and Muslims participate with equal zest. This three day festival is celebrated by all in Mehrauli in the South of Delhi. The festival ewas initiated by the Mughal Emperor Akbar Shah II in the 19th century. However, the festival became popular during the reign of Bahadur Shah Zafar. Zafar was tchosen as the next monarch by the British. But Mumtaz Mahal wanted to make her son Mirza Jehangir the heir top the throne. But Mirza was later sent in exile to Allahabad. His aggrieved mother then took a pledge that she would make an offering of a four-poster flower bed at the holy shrine of Khwaja Bakhtiyar Kaki at Mehrauli if her son was allowed to return. After sometime the British agreed to Mirza Jahangir's return to Delhi and did away with the Zafar's candidature as the rightful claimant to the throne. As promised a beautiful flower canopy was created to which flower-sellers added an elaborate flower pankha at their own cost. These were carried in large procession to the saint's tomb. But Mirza Jehangir gave into inebriation. He was exiled again and he finally died at the age of 31. But the pilgrimage of the court and people of Delhi was later celebrated as a holy and religious festival.
Features:
Floral tributes are offered at the dargah of Khwaja Bakhtiyar Kaki
Kathak dances, quawalis. Huge pankhas made of palm leaves adorned in tinsel and flowers make for a grand festive occasion.
Fire dancers carrying flower pankhas lead a huge procession across the streets of Mehrauli.
The cultural programme is held at at jahaz Mahal (ship palace) built by the Lodhis on the banks of Shamsi Talab (once a large pool) at the end of the Mehrauli Bazar.
The procession heads for Jog Maya Mandir on the first day and the tomb of Khwaja Bakhtiyar Kaki on the following day.
What began as a symbol of Muslim woman's symbol of thanksgiving as a sign became an occasion of pilgrimage and celebration for the entire city irrespective of class, creed and religion
The British had annulled the festivities during the Quit India movement, but it was revived during the tenure of Jawaharlal Nehru
Season:
The festival and gaiety and merrymaking is celebrated in the month of September-October every year.
How to reach Delhi:
By air:
Indira Gandhi International Airport connects Delhi with the major cities of the world. Palam Domestic Airport connects Delhi to the important cities in India.
By rail:
Three important railway stations in Delhi namely Delhi railway Station, Old Delhi railway Station and Hazarat Nizamuddin railway station connects Delhi with important cities in india.
By road:
Inter state bus terminus (ISBT) and Delhi transport corporations make Delhi easily accessible by road.
Phool Walon Ki Sair in Delhi is celebrated with much pomp and gaiety. Tourtoindia.com offers further information on Phool Walon Ki Sair in Delhi. To book tours please enter your queries in the form below.
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