Historic Delhi Festival Rescued After Official Intervention
In a significant development for Delhi's cultural heritage, the centuries-old Phool Walon Ki Sair festival has been granted permission to proceed at its original venue in Mehrauli. The decision comes after Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena intervened in the matter, overturning what appeared to be an impending cancellation of this year's celebration.
The festival, which symbolizes India's rich tradition of communal harmony, had faced uncertainty after the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) allegedly withheld necessary permissions. Officials confirmed that the L-G took serious exception to the denial of permission for the historic event and directed authorities to review the matter.
Controversy and Resolution
According to official sources, the festival organizers had approached the DDA in April seeking permission to hold the event at Aam Bagh in Mehrauli. However, they were informed that a No-Objection Certificate from the Forest Department was required. The situation reached an impasse when the Forest Department remained unresponsive to multiple communication attempts.
An official statement revealed that "after due deliberation, conditional permission to the effect that no harm is done to the environment while holding the festival, was granted." This carefully balanced decision aims to preserve both ecological integrity and Delhi's cultural legacy.
The permission delay was reportedly linked to a November 2023 order from the then AAP government that prohibited holding festivals or events in the Southern Ridge area. The Department of Forests and Environment had cited provisions of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, stating that no non-forest activity could be allowed on forest land without prior approval.
A Festival of Unity and Tradition
Phool Walon Ki Sair represents one of Delhi's most beautiful traditions of interfaith harmony. The festival sees both Hindu and Muslim communities coming together to offer floral chaadars and pankhas at the dargah of Khwaja Bakhtiyar Kaki and the Yogmaya Temple in Mehrauli.
The festival dates back to the early 19th century during the declining years of the Mughal empire. It has been organized continuously by the Anjuman Sair-E-Gul Faroshan since 1961, preserving this unique cultural practice that bridges religious divides.
Usha Kumar, General Secretary of the organizing committee, had earlier expressed frustration about the permission process. "Till 2023, they were allowing us to hold the festival at Aam Bagh," she stated. "How did they suddenly realise they can't allow us?"
The DDA, however, maintained that this characterization was incorrect and claimed that "conditional permission subject to compliance of forest laws" had been given earlier.
Political Participation and Future Prospects
The festival has enjoyed support across political lines. Last year, both Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena and then Delhi Chief Minister Atishi participated in the celebrations, with Saxena personally presenting a chaadar at the dargah.
Organizers have informed the DDA that they plan to hold the festival in February-March next year, adhering to the conditional permissions that emphasize environmental protection.
In a strong message to officials, Saxena warned against being "unresponsive or apathetic" towards people's issues and has sought action against officials found acting against public interest.
The resolution of this controversy ensures that Delhi's beloved cultural tradition will continue to celebrate the city's syncretic heritage and serve as a living example of India's composite culture for generations to come.
