Garuda Indonesia Colours Magazine October 2015 | Page 159

Travel | Festival of Lights
And during Diwali, an on-foot exploration
gives you an authentic feel for the city and its
passionately spiritual people as homes are
decorated, sweets are shared, gifts are given
and countless lamps are lit.
One of the best Diwali locales in New Delhi
is the Connaught Place hub, which is positively
bursting at the seams with the festive spirit,
with bright and colourful Rangoli designs,
extensive prayer congregations and mind-blowing
floral decorations. A stunning stretch for Diwalihopping is the road that runs through Parliament
House, down Parliament Street, passing through
the centre of Connaught Place and extending all
the way to Jama Masjid – the largest mosque in
India and a great place to really soak in Old Delhi.
Enter the expansive courtyard, with a capacity
of 25,000, to appreciate the decorative details
of the impressive complex, with three gates,
four towers and two 40m-tall minarets made
from red sandstone and white marble.

© Arena Photo UK / Shutterstock; © Hangon Media Works Private limited / Alamy Stock Photo; © Hemis / Alamy Stock Photo

Old Delhi’s vibrant markets are another wonderful
opportunity to absorb the festive frenzy as locals
set out on frantic shopping sprees up and down
market stalls festooned in a bright rainbow of
streamers. Melas are a kind of massive traditional
pop-up bazaar cum fair with countless markets
and delicious food stalls, rides and games.
There are many around at this time of year,
but the Sunder Nagar Diwali Mela is definitely
worth a visit. Now, for the 53rd year running, in
addition to tasty food, thrilling rides and magic
shows, you’ll also find a dizzying array of items
for sale in the markets, from flowers and fireworks,
clothes, fresh fruit, spices and sweets, clay crafts
and statuettes to lanterns and more!

The Jantar Mantar in
New Delhi, built in 1724, is a
giant equinoctial sundial and
a testament to India's long
history of simultaneous
spiritual and scientific pursuit.
A motorised-rickshaw driver
awaits his next passenger in
front of Connaught Place,
New Delhi.

157

It’s also worth strolling by one of India’s most
outstanding regal edifices – the stupendous
Rashtrapati Bhawan, which is the seat of
His Excellency, the President of India;
it is so beautifully illuminated that you’ll
certainly be mesmerised.
For an unforgettable fireworks display,
and if you don’t mind crowds, some of the best
bets are the imposing India Gate, the Ramlila
Maidan Ground and the awesome Jawaharlal
Nehru Stadium – you’ll quickly see why the
fireworks show here draws such huge
audiences, and before long you’ll be cheering
with glee along with the throng of onlookers.

India is the land of the Taj,
and if there is any edifice that
evokes the global community
it has to be the stupendous
Taj Mahal – the most
extravagant monument
ever built for love. And what
better way to romance your
loved one at the Taj than by
participating in the annual
Taj Mahotsav, held from
February 18 to 27, 2016.
The festival will showcase
the very best of India’s arts
and crafts, as well as soulstirring music and dance
recitals. What is more, India’s
famed cuisines will pamper
the tas te buds of global food
connoisseurs – all to take
place against the ethereal
backdrop of the Taj.
www.tajmahotsav.org
India adalah tanah para
raja, dan jika ada satu saja
bangunan yang menggugah
komunitas dunia, maka itu
adalah Taj Mahal—monumen
termegah yang pernah
dibangun atas nama cinta.
Berpartisipasi di "Taj
Mahotsav" tahunan dari
18 sampai 27 Februari 2016
bisa menjadi salah satu cara
membuktikan cinta Anda.
Festival ini akan menampilkan
kesenian dan kerajinan terbaik
India, termasuk pertunjukan
musik dan tari yang
mendebarkan jiwa. Terlebih
lagi, kuliner terkenal India
akan memanjakan lidah
para pencinta makanan dari
seluruh dunia—semuanya
di depan Taj yang memukau.