Heritage walks are gaining momentum in a city plugged into digital excesses. The real-time hunt for a lived history experience is a major pull for academics, students, tourists and the weekender. By Jigyasu Joshi
Gathered in front of Karim’s in Matai Mahal, Jama Masjid, a group of some 25 people was waiting to get a seat in the restaurant. “It is not simply about eating at Karim’s. More than food, they enjoy the stories related to it and also for how long the place has been able to keep its popularity,” said Naveen Prajapat, leader of the walk. As the sun sets, with Jama Masjid in the backdrop, the outer lane of Urdu Bazaar is lit up with kebab shops. “It is the largest mosque in India. Probably everyone knows this. But not many of them know that the mosque stands on a rock which is apparently the highest point of the southern ridge of Aravalis. This is the main reason they want to walk the city so that they can explore the heritage of the city,” Naveen added.
More than its congestion and cacophony, the capital city has a lot in itself than what meets the eye. “There is an old Chinese proverb which says that going for a walk informs you more than reading a book. And people nowadays have taken this seriously. There is a digital overload which is in fact prodding people to participate in the wholesome sensory experiences,” said Aastha Chauhan, Director, Delhi, I love You. Aastha’s group organises walks in and around Delhi and she feels that there is a desire of the urban population to explore their city before anywhere else. “In these urban settings we commute to point A to B. Exploration is not much of a concept. Walks that we organise are meant for exploring point A to Z and fortunately, people are showing interest in that,” added Aastha.
Aastha also shared that in the current and the second edition of the walk festival they have organised, there has been a rise in the number of participants who are teachers who want to get a holistic view of the past.
Such is the craze that many have an outing in the pollution with masks. “It’s a bit suffocating to get out. But that cannot be an excuse for something that anchors me to the city. So I wear a mask and attend these walks,” said Shubham Dugar, a participant of the walk. Narayan Das, a student of history said, “Our teachers told us that history is more than what it is mentioned in the books. Only reason that I participated in the walk was to know more than what it is taught to students and to have a real outlook of that,” he said.
While many complain about the chaos, for some the capital city is a treasure of heritage, culture and more. “Other than the conflict and chaos the beauty of Delhi is in its food, architecture and the mix of cultures. How will you discover these magicIJ It can happen with these walks, where people can explore the areas which fail to catch the sight of public,” said Mahima Purohit, a participant of the heritage walk.
Rakesh Jha, professor of art and culture at a leading university in Delhi, explained, “There are numerous aspects of the past Mughal culture that have their imprint on the modern society of Delhi till date. It is not only beneficial for scholars and teachers but every citizen as they get a new perspective of social history.”