Delhi is a vibrant city that is known for its culture and heritage. And deep-rooted in this culture is the city’s amazing festivals and traditions. And once such vibrant tradition is the annual event, ‘Phoolwalon ki Sair’, taking place from 13-19 October. For the unaware, this is an annual festival wherein the flower sellers pray for a better flower season and take out a procession in the city. Read on to get more deets!
All About The Week-Long FestivalÂ
Image Source: Delhi Wallle 
Image Source: Wikipedia
Organised every year by the Anjuman Sair-e-Gul Faroshan in Mehrauli, the week-long Phool Walon Ki Sair is celebrated by both Hindus and Muslims. The festival has been celebrated since the Mughal period (1812). And was reinstated by Nehru in 1962.
The uniqueness of this festival is that Hindus and Muslims together offer the floral chaadar and pankha at the Khwaja Bakhtiyar Kaki Dargah and at the Yogmaya temple in the city. The pankha has become a symbol of communal harmony.
History of The Festival
Image Source: The Delhi Walla
The festival of Phool Walon Ki Sair in Delhi was started back in the 19th century by the Mughal Emperor Akbar Shah II. However, it became popular during the reign of Bahadur Shah Zafar, as he was chosen to be the next emperor by the British.
But Mumtaz Mahal wanted to make her son, Mirza Jehangir, sit on the throne. When Mirza was deported to Allahabad, Mumtaz took an oath to donate four flower beds at the sacred shrine of Khwaja Bakhtiyar Kaki if her son was permitted to return. And when finally, Mirza was allowed to return and was rightfully given the throne, a beautiful flower canopy was created. Flower sellers added an intricate flower pankha at their own cost. And then this was carried in a procession to the saint’s tomb.
What All To Witness Here
Every year, after the monsoon, a procession is led by shehnai players and dancers, which presents floral pankhas at the shrine of Yog Maya before heading to the Mehrauli bazar to place chaadar on the tomb of Khwaja Bakhtiar Kaki at Mehrauli.Â
Image Source: Blog Returers 
Image Source: Blog Returers
The festival will start with a painting competition in Mehrauli on October 13 th. A shehnai recital and presentation of pankha will be presented to Lt. Governor and Arvind Kejriwal on October 14. Traditional sports in connection with the festival of flower sellers will be held near Shamsi Talab on October 16. On October 17, floral chaadar and pankha will be offered at the Tomb of Khwaja Bakhtiar Kaki at Mehrauli. On October 18, a chhatra and a pankha will be offered at the temple of Yogmaya. And on the last day, prize distribution and procession of Pankhas will be done at Jahaaz Mahal.
We are sure that you all are thrilled with all the events that are going to showcased in this long-week festival. We shall see you there!
When: 13 October To 19 October
For more information click here
(Featured Image Source: Instagram/thecaprigoat; instagram/thesanchitkhanna)
