Mughal gardens are a great legacy of Lutyens Delhi and a pride of the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s house) and New Delhi.  During spring each year, public gets a chance to visit these beautiful gardens.  I wonder when this tradition began.  Thanks to President Pranab Mukherjee, the arrangements are fabulous.  We went with lot of questions like will there be a fee, will there be adequate arrangements to keep our handbags, and will we be allowed to carry our mobiles.

The entry is well managed.  We jumped with joy to know that we can carry our mobiles and wallets with us.  As soon as you pass the first post, there are arrangements for drinking water. It was a sunny day yesterday, and we were parched, so we had our fill.  The walk inside is without hurdles. There were many visitors.  The best part is the freedom to click as many pictures as we want.  However, with freedom comes no responsibility for Indians, especially for our own property in our own land.  There were enthusiastic parents urging there young daughters to jump onto grass and get closer to the flowers for a better shot.  The job of the guards is unenviable.  I chatted with one lady-constable, who said matter-of-factly that people should understand that the privileges can be revoked anytime. Acting responsibly is an expectation and not an option for choosing.  I empathised with her.  We completed our tour and had hearts fill of the beautiful environs, pictures, weather et al. We also bought some condiments grown in the presidential farms, something show for the visit, besides scores of pictures.

After another round of drinking water and collecting our belongings at the exit, we walked onto the street filled with various vendors.  Some shakarkhandi (sweet potato) chat and ice creams completed the visit and made it all worthwhile.

My first, and much awaited visit, a pride of Delhi-ites.  This visit in the spring is a ‘must’, and all it takes is an hour including the pictures etc.

||Sarvam Sri Krishna Arpanamastu||