The Lost Columbus

YAMUNA: Stories of Delhi's past and present

A different view on Delhi's story

ESSENCE

2 hours north of Delhi, at the banks of the Yamuna River, we’ll find the origin of some almost forgotten stories of Delhi’s history, involving this famous River. At this unique spot, where passionate naturalists have created a nursery for dying plant species, we’ll spend the day listening and exploring. If we’re luck we’ll spot some birds and wildlife too.

 

Yamuna is considered the dark sister of Yama, the Hindu god of Death. On her banks several cultures and civilizations came into existence and faded over time. She has been muse of many poets and writers who have extolled her virtues at the same time warned us about the deadly attributes.   

 

Yamuna flows over a distance of 1376 kilometers; it starts from lower Himalayas in Uttarakhand and finally meets Ganga at Triveni Sangam Allahabad. Yamuna enters Delhi through the village of Palla and traverses a distance of 48 kilometers through the capital city. The polluted stretch of 22 kilometers lies between Wazirabad and Okhla. The Yamuna River has been polluted severely over the past two decades as a result of urbanization. At the same time, the remaining 26 kilometers of the river is still clean and this is where our walk will focus.

 

During the trail we will unravel the different layers of this river through walks, interactions with local community as well performative representations. We will create a dialogue that enables people to see Yamuna through the different lenses of stories, songs, discussions and artistic expressions.

 

THE NAVIGATOR

The tour is conducted by Yuveka Singh. Yuveka is passionate about reviving Delhi's history in experiential storytelling. Her journeys focus on stories that connect us with the rich historical and cultural roots of Delhi. She has spent countless hours exploring the city of Delhi – meandering through her streets, meeting her people, digging out her hidden stories – on a quest to create a Delhi Experience for you that is authentic, unique and eclectic...

 

DURATION: 6- 8 hours (we start before breakfast or later in the morning, depending on the weather).

 

DATES: 5 November, 13 November, 18 November 2016