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| Gate No.1 at Jama Masjid - The Trail Begins |
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| Jama Masjid |
On 17th August, we were invited by
Itihaas, an NGO, to experience the celebration and festivities of Ramzan amongst
the people of bustling Old Delhi. The walk conducted was very informative and was
weaved around various stories of Mughal era. The rich insight offered by the
stories highlighted the rich vision of our culture.
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| The Red Fort forming the Tip of the arrow |
We started our tour at Jama Masjid
where our walk directors described the city of Sahajahanabad (which is now
known as Old Delhi). The city was built by visionary Shah Jahan, the mogul emperor
– taking inspiration from the Hindu “shastra“and architected like a bow. The
river Yamuna formed the string of the bow and the central Chandni Chowk was the
road which formed the arrow.
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| Celebration Begins |
It was quite fascinating to observe
the fellow devotees breaking their daily fast. It was a celebration inside the
Jama Masjid. The sight of ocean of People greeting, hugging and sharing food
amongst each other was heartwarming. The most touching moment was when one of
the families shared their food with us as if we were part of their family.
These were some moments which has been permanently etched in my mind.
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| The Shops |
After the exhilarating Jama Masjid
experience, we were taken through the tour of crowded and buzzing alleys of the
Old Delhi. It was an experience only to be felt. It was festivities all around.
The smoke and scent of the delicacies of the street side food, the color filled
decorated small shops, greeting people, smiling faces, running children in the
narrow gullies are something to be experienced and not written.
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| Kala Masjid |
Our next destination was Kala Masjid,
Tuglaq era mosque (built around 14th century) for more stories. We
were told interesting facts around the historical events to depict the logical
significance of rituals, design and festivities held during Mogul era and still
continued in same vigor even today.
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| At Razia Sultan Grave |
Our walk through the narrow lane
continued where we were given briefings about the culture and societies as it
existed three centuries ago. Our final stop was the Grave of Razia Sultan, one
of the two female ruler in Islamic Era (Benazir Bhutto was the other one),
situated at the interior parts of the city.
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| At Itihaas School |
After the insightful journey, we were
treated with a delicious dinner at the premises of the school run by Itihaas.
The mouth watering succulent Kebabs, aroma filled Biryani and sweet dishes were
prepared by one of renowned chef of Old Delhi.
As the evening came to an end, I was
left with rich memories which I will be proudly carrying forward. Definitely , celebrating
Ramzan in Old city of Delhi was an event in my life and I look forward to
attending more of it going forward.
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| Team SAP - The Trail Ends |
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