Essay on “Phoolwalon Ki Sair” Festival
Phoolwalon Ki Sair is the festival of flower sellers. It is a three-day festival celebrated by people of Mehrauli, New Delhi. It is also observed at the dargah of Khwaja Bakhtiyar Kaki and at the ancient shrine of Devi Jog Maya. Led by Shehnai players and dancers, people offer floral tributes at both places.
This is a unique festival as both Hindus and Muslims take part in it with equal fervour and zeal. Kathak dances as well as Qawwalis are the major events during the festival. The cultural programme takes place at Jahaz Mahal built by the Lodhis on the banks of Shamsi Talab at the end of the Mehrauli Bazaar. A huge procession, led by fire dances, takes the flower pankhas through the streets of Mehrauli.
Historically, the festival of Phoolwalon Ki Sair began during the 19th century. Mumtaz Mahal, the wife of Akbar Shah II, was the originator of this festival. The festival got extreme fame during Bahadur Shah Zafar’s reign.
