The first time I heard of Raahgiri was from my sister and brother-in-law, who reside in Gurgaon (35 kms away from New Delhi). They were all gaga about this unique concept which was happening in their city every Sunday morning. In fact, they were so excited, they wanted me to fly down over a weekend, just to experience the event!
But, Know-All, as you all know, knows better! So, he smirked and carried on with his daily routine of spreading his know-allness! 😀
Finally it was time to make the annual trip to his sister’s place in October.
Onwards :
One fine Sunday morning, we woke up very early and drove all the way to Connaught Place (CP) in New Delhi, to find out what this thing Raahgiri was all about!
The first impression was that of confusion…caused no doubt by my lack of sleep! Is it a Circus? Is it a carnival? Is it a meeting of members of a gym? Or is the entire city performing aerobics early morning on the streets? As I found out, it was all that and more!
The idea of Raahgiri was conceived by a national daily to encourage people to get out of their homes and engage in some sort of physical exercise- be it walking, be it cycling, yoga or aerobics. Initially started in Gurgaon, the immense popularity of the event convinced the organizers to add Connaught Place to their list of locations.
So, every Sunday from 6 am to 12 noon, the entire road is cordoned off to traffic, and people from across the metropolis descend to CP and Gurgaon, partake in activities, according to personal preference; they either participate or watch a street performance, engage in aerobics or yoga, even brush up cycling skills. One can also teach kids how to roller-skate, maybe watch some Indie band belt out their numbers.
The energy of the place is infectious and provides one with positive vibes. I had gone there not with much expectations, but having seen hundreds of happy faces running around, all my languor had vanished.
I will love to go there again. And the good news is the concept has now started here in Calcutta also, from today and is called Happy Streets. Gotta go there one Sunday. 🙂
Aerobics Class on Street
Aerobics Class
What’s the next move?
Let’s Dance!
Sea of Faces
Indie Band
Street Play
The Drummer
Yoga on the street
Hope you enjoyed the photographs! 🙂
What an absolutely fantastic concept! High time that focus be made to activity-related events such as these. And glad to hear Kolkata is having one too now. Thanks for sharing this along with the stunning photos!
Thank you for dropping by Snowflake!! The concept is indeed wonderful..and yes…Kolkatans also will be now able to enjoy the same fun! 🙂
Sounds like heaps of fun and the faces in the pictures seem to testify for fun too! Great concept!
Hey Freebutfun!! Good to hear from you! And yes, its an awesome concept…and people really have lots of fun!
You are a great story-teller. Love the pictures too. You should blog more often.
Thanks a lot Swati Di. Glad that you loved the photos….and yes, I have to try and blog more…. 🙂
what a great way to spend a Sunday morning!!!
Yes indeed! Its good fun early in the morning! 🙂 Thanks for dropping by.
I did not know about this!!!
This is not a very old concept Mesho…but amazingly fun to be part of! 🙂
Reblogged this on Oyia Brown.
Thanks a lot for the re-blog Oyia Brown!!! 🙂
Raahgiri – sounds like a really interesting concept. Never heard of it, when I resided in Delhi. How long ago did it start. Has to be pretty recent.
Love all your photographs, especially the Yoga shots at the end.
Delhi has always been a happening place.
Thank you!!! And yes, you are absolutely right! It is a concept which isn’t even an year old! But, very popular…as you can see! 🙂 Thank you for dropping by! 🙂
Reblogged this on India Food Club.
Thank you for the re-blog! 🙂
This looks great, something for everyone 🙂
Thank you…yes there was something for everyone! 🙂
Happy Streets – I like them. If only these will come to Brussels too, while the sun is holding out strong against the clouds and rain!
Ah yes!!! It will be popular anywhere in the world…as long as the rain gods allow! 🙂