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Qutub music festival begins

          New Delhi: The annual musical event called 'Qutub Festival' started on Saturday. A classical expert, Ahsaan Bharti Ghungruwala, treated music lovers to a spiritual and energetic performance of qawwalis. Performing along with his troupe, Ghungruwala left the audience spellbound with his renditions. Artists from Pakistan would also enthral the music lovers during this two-day music festival. The Qutub Festival is being celebrated for the last 15 years. It got this name after the 12th century monument Qutub Minar played a perfect host for the event. It not only showcases the cultural art forms of the country, but also puts this classic structure in the cynosure of national and international attention. Set amidst the historical background of the Minar, a number of cultural events are held as a part of the Festival, where veterans of Indian classical music and folk musicians give spectacular performances. The towering Qutab Minar wears a new look as the even of dance and music begins, charming tourists from all over. The Festival is a joint venture of the Delhi Tourism and Transport Development Corporation and Sahitya Kala Parishad. The regional food stalls set up at the complex serve local cuisine of Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and the northeastern states, adding to the cultural extravaganza. The festival over the years has come to be known as a "Musical Bonanza for Youth," providing a platform to the upcoming classical as well as popular singers who want to experiment with the old form. A special bus service has been made available from Jamia, Jawahar Lal Nehru University, North Campus and east Delhi to the Qutub Minar complex for the Festival.
- September 30,  2007