With a photo exhibition of historical baolis (stepwells), heritage walks to acquaint people here with the city's plural culture and complex history - the national capital celebrated the World Heritage Day with great enthusiasm.
The heritage walk was organised at Purana Qila, the oldest fort of Delhi, on Saturday by Delhi Tourism in association with Delhi Heritage Management Secretariat to make people aware of the city's rich past through not much heard but interesting tales.
Delhi's Law and Culture Minister Jitendra Singh Tomar flagged off the event, saying the heritage walks will also be popularised among school children.
"The initiative is to spread awareness about the rich heritage of the capital. Besides, heritage walks promote a healthy habit of walking to stay fit. We will continue similar events and we are soon going to start these walks in entire Delhi," he said.
The walk started with the Bada Darwaza and covered various places in different parts of the vastly spread ancient fort like baoli (step well), Sher Mandal (double-storeyed octagonal tower), Hammam (the royal bathroom) and concluded at the Qila E Kohna Masjid (the mosque).
Delhi chief secretary K.K. Sharma, on this occasion, said the "walks help people to see Delhi's heritage wealth".
"People are busy in their day-to-day lives, they should also take out time to experience wonder, beauty, architecture and vivid history associated with such places."
On the similar lines, Delhi Metro in association with Delhi Walks - an organisation that holds guided tours - also organised a heritage walk from Chawri Bazar to Chandni Chowk in old Delhi. The participants covered Jama Masjid, Red Fort, Gauri Shankar temple, Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib and the popular Paranthe Wali Gali.
Also, to commemorate this special day and promote adventure and sports activities among its employees on this occasion, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) launched the Metro Adventure Club (MAC) initiative.
"This is an initiative to promote adventure and sports activities among our employees. We are carrying out construction activities in all parts of Delhi and such walks are aimed to instill awareness among the employees about the rich culture and heritage of the city," said DMRC's managing director Mangu Singh.
The Delhi Circle of Archaeological Survey of India has also put up a photo exhibition of the historical baolis (stepwells) in the national capital, along with earliest findings of the water bodies.
The exhibition titled "Water Bodies of Delhi" is being displayed at the Quarter Guard Hall of the Red Fort and highlights the important earliest findings of water bodies of different nature from Harappan Civilisation 3,000 BCE.
The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) in association with Delhi Tourism also organised a heritage quiz "Dilli Ka Sawaal" to educate masses about the vibrant heritage of Delhi.
