Sharbat Mela at Dilli Haat is an oasis in this blazing heat
The sweet taste of a rose drink makes one forget the brunt of the Delhi summer heat; the tanginess of a kalakhatta chuski makes one smack their lips. Salivating already? Then head to the Sharbat Mela to try a variety of cool drinks made from the essence of different fruits and flowers, herbal juices, milk shakes, and even ice-creams.
This annual festival aims to provide a respite to Delhiites from the summer heat, by offering sharbats, juices such as sugarcane, chuskis (round lollies made from crushed ice, dipped in a tasty liquid) and even kulfis and ice-creams. “During the lean summer months, which generally witness fewer outdoor events, we host these interesting festivals to offer new activities to people. The Sharbat festival is also a refreshing change for Delhiites who look for unconventional experiences on the weekends. With the rising temperatures, it’s best to spend the day enjoying these herbal and traditional drinks,” says Sudhir Sobti, chief manager, PR & Events, Delhi Tourism.
People from different age groups like to visit the festival, making the job of sharbatmakers challenging. “We’re offering 15-20 types of sharbats. The kids love the strawberry flavour, so we have that; and since the adults prefer to try the mango flavour in summer, we have created two sharbats — one in the usual aam panna flavour and the other is in the ripe mango [flavour] that one often gets in tetra-pack juices,” says Bal Mukand Sharma, whose company has a stall at the venue. “But one of our must-try items is the badambrahmi sharbat that will keep you cool in summer.”
Once you are done trying all the summer drinks, don’t forget to indulge in some handicrafts and handlooms shopping at Dilli Haat, which is the mecca for lovers of Indian arts and crafts.