Delhi

We spent 6 days in Delhi and managed to take a a flight to Amritsar for the day. It was a day well spent at The Golden Temple and to witness the performance at the Wagah Border ceremony that takes place at the Pakistan/Indian Border before sunset every day.

Here's some pictures taken in Delhi to share with my readers..

In the heart of the Old City stands India's largest mosque built by Emperor Shah Jahan, the Jama Masjid , the icon of Islamic heritage. We waited for the noon prayers to be over before being admitted. The vast expanse can fit 20.000 people. There I bumped into Ivy from Shah Alam . She resides in Texas and was on holiday with her husband.

The Lotus Temple or Baha'i' House of  Worship built by Iranian  architect, Fariborz Sabha. The Temple is surrounded by 9  reflecting pools on the outside  suggesting the green leaves of the lotus flower. We joined the throngs that came to visit and to enter the massive main prayer hall. Everything was in an orderly  manner - queueing to form groups and waiting for the clearance by volunteers to  enter. A simple introduction to the Baha'i House of Worship was done in Hindi and English outside, with reminders to not take photos.  Inside there are no pictures, no images nor statues, pulpits or altars. Silence inside the temple, solace away from the humdrum outside.

A colourful day at Dilli Haat - this group of musicians entertained us with their drums and cymbals . It is an open -air bazaar where artisans come for 15 days at a stretch to showcase their products. There are many food stalls from the different states of India - just take your pick. We didn't leave empty -handed as the crafts are so enticing.

The fruit stalls add so much colour to the streets. We bought some persimmons, apples, pears, oranges  and mangoes to eat 

At India Gate, many peddlers abound. We were greeted by many ice cream vans and balloon sellers. Chai vendors  get your attention as many love their tiny cuppa!

We strolled the grounds after  the visit  to the National Gallery of Modern Art, the former residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur, hence the name 'Jaipur House'. Attention - grabbing touches in statues like these by well-known artists holds you back a little longer.  

Indira Gandhi's blood- stained saree and her personal belongings when she was gunned down by her bodyguards on display . Throngs of visitors crowded the  Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum, which was her former residence. Newspaper clippings, photos, artefacts, all tells the story of the former  Prime Minister of India from her childhood to her last days. Apart from her personal belongings, we viewed through glass windows her simple drawing room, study room.

In the garden, the whole stretch that Indira Gandhi last walked is enclosed in a glass like frame giving a rippling effect of water . The place where she finally fell after being shot, the frame is marked and shows the few dried blood spots.

Built in 1192, the Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage site is an important example of Indo-Islamic architecture. This red sandstone and marble  monument is the tallest  minaret in India. It is surrounded by other several ancient and medieval structures and ruins, collectively known as Qutub Complex. A must -see.

His cheeky appearance is enough to lighten  anyone's day. As we were on the way through one of the busy  Delhi roads , this little fella  gave his all to entertain us, adding Michael Jackson moves to somersaulting to the  beat of the drum by an older boy.  

The Red Fort, built of red sandstone  by Emperor Shah Jahan. The 17th century fort complex was the residence of the Mughal Emperors. This monument is another  UNESCO Heritage site

This 16th century  magnificent tomb houses the  grave of the great Mughal Emperor  Humayan, Akbar's father.  Another of the UNESCO heritage sites in New Delhi. A must-see!!

The India Gate, a memorial to British and Indian soldiers killed in World War 1. The flame of the immortal soldier burns night and day.

Raj Ghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. On the epitaph, are the words He Ram ( 'O God ') , believed to be the very last  last words of Mahatma. This place with a black marble  marks the spot where Gandhi was cremated on 31 Jan, 1948 , a day following his assassination. A serene, beautiful place  with well-kept lawns . Visitors  remove  their  footwear before  entering the place to show respect.