Of sorbets and flower power

If you can brave the sun for two Sunday afternoons, drop by at Red Earth run by art entrepreneur Himanshu Verma. This time, Verma is taking the summer entertainment outdoors. The Sharbat Making Workshop is on May 30, 12 noon to 5 pm. On June 6, you can walk through the flower
markets of Delhi.

And he has an agenda. “The city of flowers is giving way to the city of flyovers,” says Verma who has made marigolds a part of his wardrobe even when they are out of season. “Our Genda Phool Project is about taking people to dying markets as that will also help us raise public opinion against the proposed re-location of the markets, a campaign we are working on.”

The walk begins with Delhi’s largest flower mart at Baba Kharak Singh Marg opposite Hanuman Mandir and then moves to explore the Genda Phool Mandi at Fatehpuri Masjid, Chandni Chowk. The final stop is the Mehrauli market.

For children, the ‘100 things to do’ with marigolds is a separate workshop. Learn to make garlands, gulaal and
rangolis of the flower.

Granny’s recipes — sharbats made in the kitchen without preservatives —continues the Red Earth tradition of making things from the earth and soil. So, Roohafza, you’ve competition. Some of the coolants that participants will learn to make are: Gulab (Rose), Bel, Phalsa, Sattu, Mango Panna and Badaam (Almond).

# Sharbat-making workshop with Himanshu Verma. Fee: Rs. 750/person. Customised workshop facilities also available on request for groups and organisations.

# Walk to the dying flower markets of Delhi. 6 am to 11 am. Meeting Point: Near the ticket counter, Dilli Haat. Contribution: Rs. 500/person.

For details, contact Himanshu Verma on 011-41764054 or mail himanshu@redearthindia.com