I-Day with HT in Chandni Chowk: Cycling, kite-flying, songs and food

The North Delhi Municipal Corporation, in association with the Hindustan Times, is set to invoke and spread the spirit of patriotism among residents of the Chandni Chowk in the Walled City through a host of activities on Independence Day.

The North Delhi Municipal Corporation, in association with the Hindustan Times, is set to invoke and spread the spirit of patriotism among residents of the Chandni Chowk in the Walled City through a host of activities on Independence Day.

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Starting from 2pm on Friday, the 1.2kilometer stretch from Jain Mandir to the Fatehpuri Masjid opposite Red Fort will remain closed to traffic and will instead be turned into a hub for cultural events and other fun activities.

“To celebrate the 68th anniversary of our independence we are organising this event for the public. There are ample activities to engage people and to help them connect with the charm of the city and what better place to do that other than the lanes of Old Delhi,” read a message from Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung, the man behind this idea of mass engagement.

The popular event ‘Raahgiri’ — which aims at promoting a healthy lifestyle among people through cycling and walking — will be organised for the first time in Chandni Chowk. Apart from this, other events that will be organised include the much-loved kite flying competitions, which are synonymous with Independence Day celebrations in Chandni Chowk. A special 100-kites-on-a-string will be the highlight of the celebrations.

The corporation has also arranged for a Frisbee playing and other competitions like tug of war for participants of this festival. A number of food stalls will be set up to tempt the taste buds of the visitors with mouth watering delicacies of Old Delhi. Tri-coloured balloons will also be released to mark the occasion.

This nearly four-hour event will be attended by top leaders and officials of the North civic body, including Yogender Chandolia, mayor of north Delhi, Praveen Gupta, commissioner of North Delhi Municipal Corporation and Dilraj Kaul, additional commissioner North Delhi Municipal Corporation.