The lost art of Old Delhi - #Kabootarbazi
Retracing Delhi’s 800 years old tradition of pigeon keeping. Old Delhi is older than myths and mythologies and here is a glimpse of it.
Pigeon keeping has a long and rich history in India. It is said that Shahjahan transported the tradition when he shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi and built Shahjahanabad, the original name of Old Delhi. (2/6)
Kabootar-Baazi was first mentioned by William Dalrymple in his book on Delhi, he talks about the skill of men controlling flocks of pigeons – making them fly up and land back with just a few verbal commands. (3/6)
Pigeon became the symbol of the new city. There were pigeon clubs like we have football clubs these days. (4/6)
The sport continues to flourish and still inspires lyricists to write songs. Like any other sport, pigeon keeping has its own set of rules and hierarchy which the pigeon keepers abide by. It takes more than 20 years to become a Khalifa (master pigeon keeper). (5/6)
The sport is showcased every year during Independence Day to celebrate the occasion of freedom mixed with culture and tradition. There are many historical tour guides in the city that will guide you to a spectacular show of Kaboortabazzi.
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