Exhibitions and fairs make the year special

Besides being the political Capital of India, Delhi is also known as its ‘cultural Capital.’ And for good reasons. In the past few years, this city has played host to some of the most unique cultural festivals, fairs and exhibitions, and more are being added continuously.

Starting with the ‘Flora expo’ held early in January to the various Christmas carnivals held at the close of December, Delhi’s events calendar is jampacked throughout.

Here’s a look at the fairs and exhibitions Delhiites enjoyed in 2013. Fresh from the gardens of Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Darjeeling and more, the 8th International Flora Expo in Delhi took everyone’s breath away. A stunning array of flowers, ranging from roses, orchids, carnations, gladiolis to liliums, charmed visitors. This time, the stall of the World Association of Flower Arrangers was the main attraction. They had mannequins adorned with flower costumes and accessories designed by artistes from Oman and Pakistan.   

NCR also saw some great exhibits in the meantime with the 6th International Pet Trade Fair in Noida and the 27th Surajkund Crafts Mela in Faridabad. While animal lovers had a field day at the former buying pets, food and even clothes for their four-legged friends, shopaholics bought handicrafts by the truckloads at the latter. This year, Karnataka was the theme State at the Surajkund Fair the entry gates to which were designed like heritage monuments of Karnataka.

February saw the 21st edition of the New Delhi World Book Fair at Pragati Maidan. It celebrated ‘folk literature’ with a beautiful Indian village-themed pavilion, over 500 titles in folk languages and panel discussions by eminent Indian language writers. Simultaneously, Pragati Maidan hosted the one-of-its-kind Nakshatra Festival wherein the best astrologers, palmists, aura readers, Vaastu and Feng Shui experts descended on Delhi to counsel believers.

Two unique expositions followed in March – the 3rd Itar (natural perfume) Festival and the 25th Carpet Expo. Participants from Kannauj (UP), the hub of itar making, especially, sold fragrances, agarbattis and aromatic candles. Carpet-makers from Bhadohi (UP) brought their exquisite carpets and the interesting anecdotes surrounding the small town of Bhadohi.
The Indian Gems and Jewellery Fair enchanted Delhiites with ornaments in rare diamonds, sapphire, ruby etc, and by June, it was time for Delhi Tourism’s Sharbat Mela. Sharbat-makers from Chandni Chowk particularly lined up to quench people’s thirst. July brought the hugely popular Mango Festival with Dussehri, Langra, Chausa, Ramkela – all featuring. The mango eating competition was there too.

Teej Festival at Dilli Haat next month beckoned women to have mehndi applied, buy bangles and Jaipur-special lehriya. A Doll exhibition displaying over 100 adorable paper dolls, by the Association of Korean Paper Doll Artists, also enthralled children. September witnessed two mega expositions – the 2nd United Art Fair and Delhi Photo Festival. While the United Art Fair, this year, combined paintings and sculptures with graphic art, textiles and furniture designing, Delhi Photo Festival saw over 20 photo exhibits across Delhi on different issues.

November engaged children in the much-loved Bookaroo Children’s Literature Festival. The best children’s books authors regaled little ones with stories, poem writing and illustration-making workshops. The year ended on a gluttonous note with the major Street Food Festival at Jawaharlal Nehru stadium and Dilli Ke Pakwan at Baba Kharak Singh Marg. Could the year have been more delicious for Delhiites?