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Flowers, harmony and culture at historical Delhi fest
Indo-Asian News Service

New Delhi, Sep 27 (IANS) Inter-religious harmony and a syncretic culture has been an integral part of Indian culture. And Delhi prepares to continue the tradition further with its three-day annual festival of flowers, Phool Walon Ki Sair, beginning Sep 29.

True to its spirit of communal unity, prayers would be held at the tomb of Sufi saint Bhaktiyar Kaki and the Yogmaya temple in south Delhi's historic Mehrauli area over the three days. Representatives of various communities gather in big numbers on the occasion as do artists and sportsmen to enthral spectators.

"There are several akharas (schools) of wrestlers that take part in the event," said Usha Kumar, secretary of the Anjuman Sair-e-Gul Faroshan and organiser of the festival. 

"Representatives of all states take part in the festival and send their floral chadars," said Kumar, adding that processions would be organised and devotees would carry floral chadars to be offered at the Sufi shrine. 

She added that the 200-year festival was revived in 1961. The celebrations were first started by the Mughal kings to celebrate the return of a prince who was sent to exile by the British. Over the years, it was stopped at least twice by the British who considered it to be a threat to peace. 

Now the latest chapter of its modern day avatar begins Thursday with Lieutenant Governor B.L. Joshi offering a floral chadar at the tomb and praying for peace and harmony. 

On day two, prayers would be offered at the Yogmaya temple near the tomb.
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