Kiran Nadar Museum Of Art in collaboration with Tales Of City

Aai-Bo-Kaate : An Experience of Syncretism

Witness Daastangoi and participate in Kite-flying of Purani Dilli on National Independence Day of India

City as a Museum Walk series

Date: 15 August, 2024, Thursday

Time: 4 pm to 7.30pm

Venue / Assembly point : Jama Masjid, Gate No. 3

Join us for a specially curated event on the very special day of National Independence Day of India. City As Museum, KNMA collaborates with Tales of City to jointly bring you an enriching experience of witnessing the tradition of Pantang-baazi (Kite flying) in Old-Delhi’s skies celebrating the ethos of freedom and the spirit of syncretism. Kick starting with a session of Daastangoi, we celebrate not just the stories of togetherness but also remember the wounds of Partition through Daastan-e-Fahmida, story of a Urdu shaiyra/ poetess. The event culminates with fireworks against the silhouette of Old Delhi skyline, and setting aflame the air-borne lamps of joy and unity, and truly cherishing the coming together of diversity.

What to expect:

*   Daastaan-e-Fahmida - Dastan e Fahmida is based on the life of renowned Urdu poetess Fahmida Riaz. The story begins at partition when Fahmida's family (originally from Meerut) is forced to stay on in Sindh in 1947. Fahmida therefore represents an identity which encompasses both India and Pakistan and her writings often bring up themes of displacement and the duality of cultural moorings. As she says herself in her ode to Delhi : ' main kaun hoon maa? Teri jaayi hoon; par bhej naye se aayi hoon'

·     Kite Making and Kite flying on terrace top among the local residents of Old Delhi.

·     Open air Barbeque both Vegetarian and Non Vegetarian snacks/ Soft Drinks

·     Lighting of air-borne lanterns and Fireworks

Who can join?

This walk is open to all culture enthusiasts. Limited seats, so register soon!

Free entry for children under 12 with adult supervision

Facilitators: Daastangoi Collective with Tales of City

Meera Rizvi - One of the most accomplished members of the team, Meera Rizvi has been the backbone of Dastangoi Collective. She has been practicing and performing the art for quite some time. Meera has been a witness to the revival of this art form and has been a great support and a guiding light to the team and worked very hard for the sustainability since then. She is a senior media professional based in New Delhi.

Namita Singhai - Namita Singhai is a post graduate in management and has been associated with the Dastangoi due to her love for the language and the "Tilism" of dastans that it contains. Despite of being occupied in the corporate world, she has deeply engaged with this art-form and been an important part of the Dastangoi Collective for the past 10 years. She has performed several shows of the tales of Tilism-e-Hoshruba and Dastan-e-Chouboli.

Organising Partner: Tales of City

Tales of City is a cultural ecosystem and community hub that passionately promotes, curates, and celebrates local heritage, art, and storytelling experiences and Indian Ethos. Their work and profile can be accessed here: Tales of City Instagram. ToC is a captivating micro-tourism platform designed to transform the way we explore new destinations. With Tales of City, you can embark on a seamless and immersive journey that delves deep into the heart of each city's culture, history, and hidden gems. Through curated local experiences and personalized recommendations, the platform offers an authentic and unforgettable travel experience. Get ready to be enchanted by interactive storytelling, connect with fellow travellers, and discover unique recommendations that will make your journey truly remarkable.

Please Note:

Wear walking shoes

Wear comfortable clothes according to the season

Women should carry a stole or a dupatta

Carry drinking water

Please be there before time

Due to it being Independence Day, Please take care of routes and traffic instructions