Delhi celebrates World Heritage Day

To showcase the Indian way of life to the world and to reinstate the importance of historical monuments in our lives, Delhi Tourism in association with INTACH, India City Walks and ‘Delhi I Love You’ is celebrating the World Heritage Day on Monday in the national Capital.

The sole aim is to sensitise the residents about the city’s historical monuments. It is at Jama Masjid where Kapil Mishra, Minister of Tourism of Delhi flagged off a heritage rickshaw tour. A. Anbarasu, Divisional Commissioner and Secretary (Revenue), government of NCT of Delhi; Padmini Singhla, MD and CEO, Delhi Tourism; Dietrich Schullenberg, Cultural Consulate, German Embassy and Syed Tariq Bukhari, General Secretary, Jama Masjid were present on the occasion along with other senior officers from DTTDC and Delhi government. 

A special heritage walk for students is being organised today at Mehrauli Archaeological Park. Also, a photo exhibition of the lesser known yet beautiful monuments of Delhi by ‘Delhi I Love You’ and ‘Youth for Heritage Foundation’ will be organised at Dilli Haat, INA, where photographs of lesser known monuments of Delhi are being displayed. 

Dastangoi, a story telling programme by Fouzia and Fazal will also be held at Dilli Haat INA in the evening today. They will present ‘Dastam Ghummi Kebabi’, a situational comedy which revolves around conversation of ‘Ghummi’ from Old Delhi famous for his mouth watering kebabs and his flavourful Urdu with a group of highly educated and polite individuals from Aligarh.

Kapil Mishra, Minister of Tourism, government of Delhi said, “The initiative is to spread awareness about the rich heritage of the Capital. Besides, heritage walks promote a healthy habit of walking to stay fit. We will continue similar events and we’re soon going to start these walks in entire Delhi. Further, heritage walks have also been introduced among school children and we’re planning to offer them different facilities along with subsidies.” 

Delhi also houses three world heritage sites such as Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar and Red Fort and is a rightful contender for world heritage city tag. Padmini Singhla, MD & CEO, DTTDC said: “These heritage walks and tours offer experiences that are scintillating, multicultural and quirky. The Capital is known for its spectacular tangible and intangible cultural heritage.” Delhi’s rich past is manifested in the numerous historical buildings that dot Delhi’s urban areas. 

Dietrich Schullenberg, Cultural Consulate, German Embassy, shared his experience and said, “I’m very excited to attend this heritage walk and rickshaw tour. It not only provides an access to explore the lanes and bylanes of Old Delhi but also helps us to learn more about the historical significance. Delhi has lots to offer and explore”. 

Also, a heritage walk and cycle tour was organised on Sunday in Mehrauli’s Archaeological Park, which was flagged off by Naresh Yadav, MLA, Mehrauli. Various monuments present in the vicinity like Adam Khan’s tomb, Ghandhakki Baoli, Jahaz Mahal, Jharna, Huaz-i- shamshi, Balban’s tomb, Mosque and tomb of JamaliKamali, Metcalf’s folly, Rajon ki Baoli, Quli Khan’s tomb and Boat House were covered during the event.