Phool Walon Ki Sair meaning "procession of the florists" is an annual celebration by the flowers sellers of Delhi. It is a three-day festival, generally held just after the rainy season in the region of Mehrauli. The grand procession that followed Mirza Jahangir’s return in 1812 witnessed the flower sellers of the city bringing floral chadar (sheets) and pankha (fan) as offerings. This became an annual event, with a large fair and a series of cultural performances held near Shamsi Talab. Chadars are offered at the Dargah, while pankha and chattri (umbrella) at Yogmaya Temple.

After the Quit India Movement was announced in 1942, in retaliation, the British put a stop to the Phool Waalon ki Sair as it united the Hindus and the Muslims. However, the festival was revived by Nehru in 1961 as in an attempt to bridge the differences that has seeped in between the two communities after the 1947 Partition.

The photo captures a Shehnai (wind instrument) performance, at Jahaz Mahal, during the Phool Walon ki Sair in 1971.

Accession post by: Mesha Murali