Sunder Nursery Transforms into Festive Ground on Republic Day with Massive Crowds
On Republic Day, Sunder Nursery in New Delhi underwent a dramatic transformation from its usual tranquil green retreat into what resembled a tightly packed festive ground. Approximately 15,000 tickets, each priced at Rs 50, were sold for entry to the 16th-century heritage park, leading to unprecedented overcrowding throughout the day.
Chaotic Scenes and Overwhelmed Infrastructure
Long, restless queues snaked across the forecourt of the heritage park, pressing against every available ticket counter. Families waited shoulder to shoulder in the dense crowds, with children clutching balloons and snack packets tightly. Vendors weaved through the masses selling bottled water to parched visitors.
Even after entering the nursery, there was little respite from the throngs of people. Pathways remained packed throughout the day, benches were fully occupied, and visitors spilled into every open patch of grass available. Narrow strips of lawn between bushes, originally designed as visual buffers, were completely taken over by picnic mats and plastic sheets laid out by families.
Safety Concerns and Ignored Regulations
Areas clearly marked as 'no walking' zones were filled with people unpacking food items and setting up portable speakers. Warning signs near water bodies were largely ignored, with numerous families seen sitting dangerously close to the edges while posing for photographs.
The Times of India spoke with visitors across different age groups who acknowledged both the strain on the park infrastructure and the joy it continues to offer Delhi residents. "Delhi is running out of green spaces," said Mridula Rao, a 60-year-old physics teacher from south Delhi who has been visiting Sunder Nursery for years. "I've watched this place change dramatically. Every year, the crowd keeps increasing. It's wonderful that people love it, but it's also becoming exhausting."
Diverse Activities and Celebrations
Young couples arrived early in the day to secure vantage positions by the side of the lake before the crowds thickened. In one quiet corner, a large group comprising six families had transformed the space into a lively tambola session complete with microphone and speaker systems.
Elsewhere in the park, loud music echoed across the lawns. One family played patriotic songs while recording social media reels, while another group blared popular Bollywood tracks. Rinki Yadav, a 24-year-old nurse, traveled from northeast Delhi's Karawal Nagar with her friend Pankaj Singh Negi, a 26-year-old chef, to celebrate his birthday. They set up a small folding table in the lane leading up to the main tombs and cut a cake amid curious glances from other visitors.
"We thought people would go elsewhere for Republic Day celebrations. But I guess everyone thought the same and descended on this place," Yadav remarked about the unexpected crowding.
Transformation Through Restoration
Some long-time visitors to the park, which is home to 15 heritage monuments, linked the current overcrowding to its recent transformation through restoration work. "After restoration and conservation work, the biggest change is how accessible it has become," explained Satish Rao, a 70-year-old retired management professional. "Earlier, especially near the tombs, there used to be dense and wild bushes. People didn't consider it a picnic spot. The restoration has made it both accessible and beautiful."
Another elderly visitor noted that parking restrictions and barricades near India Gate have limited family options for outdoor activities in this part of the city, making Sunder Nursery a natural alternative for many.
Social Media Influence and External Chaos
Several first-time visitors revealed they chose to spend Republic Day in the 90-acre heritage park after watching compelling online videos showcasing its beauty. Outside the park gates, an influencer was seen hosting a giveaway from the boot of his car in exchange for social media follows.
The stretch leading to the adjacent Humayun's Tomb remained choked throughout the day, with cars barely inching forward and pedestrians spilling onto the road due to the overwhelming crowds.
Divergent Perspectives on Crowding
Despite the apparent chaos in and around Bagh-e-Azeem, as the park was historically known, some visitors offered different perspectives on the crowding phenomenon. "In a way, crowding is good," said Tanisha, a 28-year-old fashion designer. "Earlier, when there were fewer people, it looked somewhat deserted. Now families feel safer here with more people around."
As the day progressed, the crowd only grew thicker, the noise became louder, and the lawns filled completely. The scene offered a changing snapshot of a city where open green spaces are cherished but increasingly overwhelmed by the very affection they receive from residents seeking recreational opportunities.
