FRIDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2017

The last resting place of Mohammed Shah Sayyid, Lodi Gardens.

Islamic motifs on the Athpula Bridge. There’s no mistaking the inspiration for ’s lotus-shaped Bahai House of Worship.

f there’s one thing you can guarantee when Keeping the faith at the Bahai House of Worship Delhi’s most beloved Sufi mystic. Every Thursday travelling somewhere new, it’s an unexpected This lotus-shaped temple was conceived and created evening, singers fill the air with soulful qawwalis (spiri- I cost you didn’t budget for - an irresistible by architect Furiburz Sabha in the suburbs of South tual songs) honoring both the Sufi mystic Hazrat Khwaja detour, a magical momento you just have to have, a few Delhi, close to the burgeoning commercial district of Syed Nizamuddin Auliya and his disciple, the poet Amir extra days in somewhere amazing. Take heart though; Nehru Place. In step with the tenets of the Bahai reli- Khusrao, also buried here. A warren of narrow streets in Delhi, you can stretch your budget by exploring a gion, the house of worship is open to all and everyone lined with hawkers, mendicant holy men and snack string of free sights and attractions, leaving more left is invited to worship according to their own customs. stands leads to the shrine, which is a riot of colours, fra- over for those little indulgences. When visiting ’s Reflected in nine encircling pools, the gleaming marble grant with heady incense and sweet-smelling rose historic capital, it’s worth paying out for big-hitting structure is set in expansive gardens that teem with visi- petals. Irrespective of faith, gender, or age, the sights such as the and , but don’t tors, yet it retains a peaceful air of prayer and contem- is one of Delhi’s most emotive and overlook the abundant free sights and experiences in plation. Dusk finds the monument painted in surreal stimulating spots. this fascinating city. Take your pick from verdant park- colors by floodlights as the sun sinks over the cityscape. land, centuries-old monuments, mysticism and faith, Calm green spaces and crumbling mausoleums colonial pomp and circumstance and exploring contem- Soulful stirrings at the Nizamuddin Auliya shrine The Lodi Gardens, formerly Lady Willingdon Park, are porary Indian culture and the arts. You can step back seven centuries at the shrine of one of the city’s favorite green spaces, visited by neigh-