Phool Waalon Ki Sair, which translates to the "procession of the florists," is an annual celebration organized by flower sellers in Mehrauli, Delhi, the capital of India. The festival's roots are intertwined with the Yogamaya Temple in Delhi, and it spans three days, typically taking place in September or October, following the monsoon season. This event serves as a testament to the composite culture of Delhi, fostering an atmosphere of communal harmony where both Hindus and Muslims actively participate.
The origin story of Phool Walon Ki Sair is linked to Mughal
Emperor Akbar II (1806-1837) and his wife, Queen Mumtaz Mahal Begum. The Queen,
distressed by the imprisonment and exile of her son Mirza Jehangir, who had
fired at the British Resident from a Red Fort window, resulting in the death of
a bodyguard, found solace in a dream where Yogamaya appeared. Seeking her son's
safe return, the Queen pledged to place a flower-made punkah at the Yogmaya
temple and the nearby Muslim shrine of Qutbuddin Bhaktiar Khaki. This
tradition, initiated by the Queen, continues to this day as Phool Walon Ki
Sair. Mirza Jahangir was eventually released, and true to her vow, Mumtaz Mahal
Begum visited Mehrauli to fulfill her commitment.
The Yogamaya Temple, also known as Jogmaya Temple, is an
ancient Hindu temple located in Mehrauli, Delhi. It is dedicated to Yogmaya,
who is believed to be the sister of Lord Krishna. The temple holds historical
and cultural significance, and it is an integral part of the Phool Walon Ki
Sair festival.
According to legend, Yogmaya played a crucial role in the
protection of Lord Krishna during his infancy. The Yogamaya Temple is thus a sacred site commemorating Yogmaya's divine
intervention.
During the Phool Walon Ki Sair festival, the Yogamaya Temple
becomes a focal point for the celebrations. The procession, which begins at the
shrine of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, concludes at the Yogamaya Temple. The
offering of the floral pankha and chaadar symbolizes the syncretic nature of
the festival, emphasizing the unity of different religious communities.
In essence, Phool Walon Ki Sair and the Yogamaya Temple
exemplify the rich cultural tapestry of Delhi, where diverse religious
traditions coexist harmoniously, and festivals become a medium to celebrate
this unity and pluralism.