1st Raahgiri event in MG Road draws huge crowds

Gurugram: The first Raahgiri event that was organised in Gurugram's MG road, drew huge crowds on Sunday. What made the event successful was that not only residents but even public agencies stepped forward to promote the event. Even though the Raahgiri event is being held from 2013 it took more than six years to introduce the event in one of the most popular routes of the National Capital Region.

Mehrauli-Gurugram Road or MG Road is one of the busiest roads in Gurugram. Also known as Mall mile because of the presence of fancy retail malls and offices of multinational companies. Choc-o-bloc with traffic 24 hours a day, Sunday was the day when for three hours (7 am to 10 am) there was no movement of cars and people came in to perform events like cycling, dancing to singing.

Considered to be a unique initiative to create a society that is less dependent on its cars, Raahgiri had gained immense popularity among the residents of Gurugram who are credited with innovating this concept in 2013. The event from 2013 to 2017 was held near the Galleria market every Sunday.

Taking a cue from its smaller neighbour, even the national Capital organised the event in Rajiv Chowk two years ago. Loss of interest among the participants resulted in no further addition of sponsors and lack of funds resulted in Raahgiri being closed down for a brief period. Sponsors will begin to come in if people participate in the event in large numbers.

"Events like Raahgiri symbolises the importance of community bonds and how it is possible to live without your cars and mobile. Even though the event has become popular in other cities,

Raahgiri will always find resonance among people of Gurugram who not only innovated it but ensured that they are able to live with this philosophy," said Rama Jain one of the city residents.