Streets of Delhi
Detail of a rickshaw – we don’t have these in Mumbai! ha! ha! It was funny to ride in these.... Red Fort- Walking midst History.
Here is where the Republic Day Parade ends each year which we all see broadcast on National Television, this was the first time I stood there! ^_^
Inside the Red Fort: Diwan-e-aam, the Emperor held court here with the common people.
Squirrels! they were everywhere!
Thousands drive by the Red Fort each day where the Yamuna once flowed. 
We had hired a guide, who in poetic hindi explained to us its history for only Rs.100!! and we stood listening to him besides, the emperor’s chambers, I imagined the emperor and his family enjoying a pleasant morning - the Yamuna flowing by... the forest beyond in mist.. a peacock’s cry renting the still air! ^_^ ...Sigh!
The Emperor' private mosque is now closed to the public, so we were peering through the jali windows.
Inside the mosque is a fountain where the Emperor could perform the ritual washing of hands and feet before saying prayers, isn't that beautiful? a fountain to yourself ^ ^
The Bath house which was meant only for women is also closed to the public, if you look closely, (not too clear here), the floor is in-laid with precious stones, such as lapis lazuli and mother of pearl. Majnu -ka -Tilla: vibrant Tibetan Community.
We stayed in Majnu-ka -tilla, which is really far from South Delhi and the airport! but we loved it! From all corners one can smell Tibetan incense burning.....mmmmm.....
I truly admire the Tibetans for making something good out of the place they have been given by the Government ^_^ . You will find many travellers staying at the hotels here. Dalai Lama's serene portrait smiles at you benevolently when you enter all shops, restaurants, travel agent offices and hotels ^_^
At M.T you can eat thukpa, momos, drink butter tea....buy incense, jewellery-turquoise,coral....or just walk around, it is much safer than most parts of Delhi ^ ^ which is what I like best about M.T.
A monastery at M.T- the monks inside were preparing decorative sculptures made out of dough in preparation for Losar, the Tibetan New Year ^ ^Mithu Sen , for free!
The travel to Delhi also coincided with artist Mithu Sen’s exhibition at Khoj residency. While I was there, a writer-friend called requesting me to collect an art-work from Mithu Sen and so I arrived at the opening, knowing nothing about the show!
The pink rooms, everything blew me away! and I was so grateful that Shubhalakshmi had requested me to come to Khoj ^_^ The show was suffused with love! Pink love!
Above: The art-works to be given away, displayed (hidden) in kitschy bags fashioned from pillow-cases! Mithu Sen is to the far right.
About the show: Mithu Sen had invited people through her blog and website to write letters to her and in exchange she would give them an art-work done by her for free! They could do what they wanted with the art-work, ...even destroy it, but .....with love! Kutub Minar- eternal splendour.
My jaws dropped when I saw the Kutub Minar for the first time! India is beautiful! This is such a magnificent example of Islamic art! ^_^
Within the surroundings of the Minar are these beautifully carved pillars.
Detail of carved walls of entrances and arches, reaching high up.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There is so much more to share but these pictures should suffice, I can't wait to explore more of Delhi- ruins or otherwise ^_^
Love + light !!!
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