The Phool Walon ki Sair is a festival which is celebrated in the capital city of Delhi in India. Phool Walon ki Sair is a festival or a colorful procession of the flower sellers. In this festival, the Hindus and the Muslims participate with equal enthusiasm. The Phool Walon ki Sair festival is celebrated by everybody in Mehrauli in south Delhi.
Description of Phool Walon ki Sair:
The Festival of Phool Walon ki Sair in Delhi was started in the 19th Century by the Mughal Emperor Akbar Shah II. The festival, however, became popular during the reign of Bahadur Shah Zafar. Shah Zafar was chosen to be the next emperor by the British. But Queen Mumtaz Mahal wanted to make her son Mirza Jehangir to sit on the throne. But later on, Mirza was sent in deported to Allahabad. His mother Mumtaz then took an oath that she would make a contribution of a four-poster flower bed at the sacred shrine of Khwaja Bakhtiyar Kaki at Mehrauli if her son was permitted to return. When Mirza was at last allowed to return, and rightfully given the throne, according to the promise, a beautiful flower canopy was created to which the flower sellers added an intricate flower pankha at their own cost. This was carried in a procession to the saint’s tomb.
During the Delhi Phool Walon ki Sair, floral tributes are offered at the dargah of the Saint. On the occasion of the grand festival of Phool Walon ki Sair, huge pankhas made of palm leaves decorated with shiny flecks and flowers are offered. Performances of Kathak dances and Quawalis also take place. Fire dancers lead a large procession across the streets carrying flower pankhas. The cultural program of the Festival of Phool Walon ki Sair is held at the Jahaz Mahal.
Time of Celebration of Phool Walon ki Sair:
The Phool Walon ki Sair Festival in Delhi is a festival of joviality and merriment. The festival is celebrated every year in the months of September-October.
