Why in the News?

For the first time since its 1962 revival (except during COVID-19), Delhi’s interfaith festival Phool Walon Ki Sair will not be held this year.

About ‘Phool Walon Ki Sair’ Festival:

Timing: Held annually post-monsoon (September–November), attracting large participation from artisans, locals, and cultural groups.
Meaning: Literally translates to “Procession of the Florists,” celebrated annually in Mehrauli, Delhi.
Origin: Began in 1811 under Mughal Emperor Akbar Shah II when Begum Mumtaz Mahal offered floral chadars at both the Yogmaya Temple and the dargah of Khwaja Bakhtiar Kaki.
Symbolism: Represents Hindu–Muslim unity, interfaith respect, and religious harmony in Delhi’s cultural fabric.
Historical Timeline:
- Banned by the British (1942) during the freedom movement.
- Revived in 1962 by then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru as a symbol of secular revivalism.
Celebrations: Include floral processions, decorative pankhas (fans), qawwali, folk dances, and traditional fairs.

Ganga–Jamuni Tehzeeb: Embodies Delhi’s composite Indo-Islamic culture, celebrating shared heritage and pluralism.
Interfaith Harmony: Promotes unity, peace, and mutual respect between communities.
Secular Ethos: Serves as a living symbol of Indian secularism, transcending religious and social boundaries.

[UPSC 2017] Consider the following pairs:

Traditions: Communities

1. Chaliha Sahib Festival- Sindhis 2. Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra- Gonds 3. Wari-Warkari- Santhals

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

Options: (a) 1 only * (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) None of the above