Raahgiri adds freedom flavour to fun

NEW DELHI: The spirit of freedom was palpable at Connaught Place. Thousands of people dived into Raahgiri festivities which capped Independence Day celebrations. They were thrilled at having the entire Inner Circle to themselves. From 3pm to 7pm, people danced, cheered, cycled, walked, played-in short, everything unimaginable on Delhi roads.

Raahgiri is an initiative organized by the Delhi Police and New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) along with Embarq India. It is supported by The Times of India.

The crowd cheered as a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) band belted out patriotic songs. A group from 104 Rapid Action Force, Aligarh, gave a riveting dance performance; the artistes' bodies were painted in the shades of Tricolour to blend with the mood. At least 3,000 people turned up on Friday. About 150 kites flown on two strings formed an ideal backdrop for a gamut of activities.

"What better way to celebrate Independence Day than by cycling or walking around with friends and family?" said Neelima Sarkar, a homemaker who came with her entire family.

People were brimming with energy despite the heat, especially those who performed zumba at the fitness kiosks. "This is the first time I have found such an open atmosphere where people are happily unwinding," said Shila Khilnani, a government employee.

"I am happy that despite resource constraints due to heavy deployment at Red Fort and other places, we managed to open the roads. I hope we have Raahgiri every Independence Day," said Muktesh Chander, special CP (traffic). "The response has been overwhelming. We've also set up an organ donation kiosk. I have pledged my entire body and my family members have also pledged organs," said Meenakshi Lekhi, BJP MP from New Delhi.Those interested could fill up forms and get briefed on the process.

R L Taneja, a retired RBI officer, cycled slowly. He, however, said the event gave him with the energy to try new things. "It's relaxing to cycle without the fear of being run over. I have been in Delhi for 45 years and I can't imagine doing this on any road. I hope the initiative is replicated in other localities to give everyone a chance," he said. Some played frisbie and football while others simply sat on the pavements. Sakshi Singh, a homeopathy student and resident of Shalimar Bagh, waited for two hours to get cycles for eight family members. "It's so much fun to be carefree at last," she said.

"I think the response was tremendous. Since it started in the afternoon, it was quite humid but people came in droves. We wanted to do the event today because it's Independence Day. We have also started an organ donation drive and we need to encourage more and more people to enrol," said Jalaj Shrivastava, chairman, NDMC.

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