AUTUMNAL ODE TO SHAHPUR JAT’S BOHO HERITAGE
Home to craftsmen, artists, everything high fashion — with designers and their boutiques, not to mention a touch of history, too, owing to the tombs, Shahpur Jat is a veritable melting pot of tradition and modernity. Tapping into this dynamic quality of the venue, and with an aim to amalgamate history and fashion, Delhi Tourism and the government of Delhi have come up with the two-day Shahpur Jat Autumn Festival, an initiative drawing focus towards the cultural significance of the enclave as a tourist attraction.
Make your autumn all the more special with calligraphy, archaeological exhibitions, recycling workshops, heritage walks, storytelling sessions, lots of shopping, and more. For the cultural enthusiast in you, there are folk dance performances, a musical concert and a fashion show, apart from food and more.
“Delhi, as a city, has much to offer beyond the three world heritage monuments and major visited areas,” says, Sudhir Sobti, chief manager, PR & Events, Delhi Tourism. “We wish to bring to light the unique areas that have transformed into cultural hubs. These walks and shows will raise awareness about these areas so that even locals become more protective about their ever-evolving heritage.”
On the first day of the fest, get set to be mesmerised with folk dances from Haryana and Punjab. One can also enjoy performances by nagada players and ragini performers Amit Mallika and Deepa Chaudhary on October 19 and 20, respectively. Comedians Sanjay Rajoura and Sunil Jogi will tickle your funny bone.
On the second and concluding day, get some fashion inspo with fashion shows exhibiting the works of designers based in the area and a performance by Bollywood singer Monali Thakur.
For the explorer in you, the fest will also walks such as Other Side of Shopping by India City Walks, and a Heritage Walk by INTACH. There is also retail therapy by stylist Rishi Raj, where he will take a group to a tour of the quirky stores of Shahpur Jat. “Some of the important structures are still visible, which we will also show in our heritage walks,” adds Kanika Dawar, project coordinator, INTACH Delhi Chapter.