Delhiwale: Lodhi’s penumbral pleasures

As evening turn into night, the gumbads at Lodhi Garden offer a silent play of shadows and solitude

Waxing lyrical about Lodhi Garden isn’t difficult. But, we won’t utter a single word about the incredible flora, which we have already spoken about — at night and day.

Shish Gumbad, just across the grass, is something special, thanks to clever lighting. (Mayank Austen Soofi / HT Photo)

This time, we suggest turning up early in the evening when the monuments in the garden glow, thanks to the floodlights. You will have no trouble in finding your way to Bara Gumbad — the most prominent monument right in the centre of the park.

Walking into its chamber offers something mystical because floodlights can’t illuminate all of it. Somewhere amid the sweeping swathes of darkness you may spot silhouettes of romantic couples, but instead of lingering here, we suggest you move right along to the doorway that faces another grand monument.

Shish Gumbad, just across the grass, is something special, thanks to clever lighting. It elongates your shadow and splays it across Bara Gumbad’s stony platform all the way to the lawns, leaping over flower beds to embrace the foundation of Sheesh Gumbad.

The only word that accurately describes this phenomenon is ethereal.

Another kind of experience awaits the intrepid if you simply wait for the chamber to empty of visitors, leaving you to ponder the play of light and seductive shadows by yourself. This may prove to be the most profound solitude you’ll ever encounter in this bustling city.