Indian Ocean Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Behind the modern chaos of traffic and concrete lies a city of infinite layers – a “hidden India” that Sara Abdullah Pilot and Aishwarya Jha are determined to evoke. The year-old Indophile – co-founder of a multidisciplinary cultural enterprise, is transforming the lawns of the Travancore Palace into Story: Delhi Ki, an immersive two-day festival that is a tribute to the heart, history and heritage of Delhi. Supported by the Ministry of Culture, the first edition of the festival is based on the belief that Delhi is not one city but many cities, and invites visitors to taste its flavours, listen to its music and encounter the stories that have shaped its enduring character.
“Delhi is rich in stories and one of the things we want to do through our panel discussions, arts and crafts, musical performances and food is to try to tell as many of these stories as possible,” says Sara. Both did not want it to become just another festival in the capital’s entertainment calendar, but instead wanted it to start meaningful conversations. She adds, “We want people to come and have a good time, but also have the opportunity to delve deeper into real conversations about heritage and culture.”
Sonam Kalra Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Therefore, the curation had to be with the right mix of established names as well as those who did not have the same exposure as the headliners. For example, the music section features contemporary Sufi singer Deveshi Sehgal, award-winning singer-composer Sonam Kalra, the popular band Indian Ocean as well as Delhi Gharana artists. There is also Kathak by Gauri Diwakar, Dastangoi by Ashar Haq and fascinating street theater performances honoring Delhi’s layered artistic heritage.
Peeling back the layers of Delhi’s food history, author and food historian Anuthi Vishal is crafting a foodie experience that celebrates the city’s lesser-known gastronomic treasures. “Most people think that Delhi food is only about post-Partition Punjabi cuisine or the foods available on the streets and in restaurants. The collection here breaks that myth and talks about the communities of Shahjahanabad (colloquially known as Old Delhi) as well as some other communities who are not from Shahjahanabad.”
New Delhi, January 13 (ANI): People enjoying the sunshine after a cold morning at Lodhi Garden in New Delhi on Tuesday. (ANI Photo/Sumit) Photo Credit: ANI
Produced by EVH International, the experience will include early Mughlai food without the addition of chillies and tomatoes, traditional dishes from the Kayastha community like potli ki sabzi and raw minced koftas, baniya foods like mangochi (a type of curry made from moong dal), foods from Delhi’s Jat villages like malai halwa in which ghee has been replaced by malai, Punjabi dishes that go beyond butter chicken and a variety of other dishes. Chaat, among others. Five home chefs belonging to their respective communities will ensure that these dishes are as authentic as they are when they prepare them in their home kitchens. Anoothi’s dual practice as a writer and curator is based on the belief that food preserves cultural memory. By challenging the city’s often restrictive culinary style, she seeks to document a “mini Delhi” that represents the city’s emerging contemporary identity.
Shalini Pasi Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Award Winning Restaurant and Art Project Edible Archives will be a sensory-led exploration of Delhi’s spice traditions, featuring hand-picked whole spices from Khari Baoli by Chef Anumitra Ghosh Dastidar. The festival will also be home to inspiring conversations with esteemed personalities like William Dalrymple, Swapna Liddle, Shalini Pasi, Nona Uppal, Madhulika Liddle, Aishwarya Tipnis, Anika Mann and Ratish Nanda. Come to Mahatta Photo Studio’s exhibition for rare archival images of Delhi and take home retro-style pictures as souvenirs at the vintage photo booth.
After Delhi, Sara and Aishwarya are looking forward to taking the celebrations to other parts of the country. Aishwarya says, “There is a cultural revival happening in our country. People want to connect with their roots. Our aim is to be able to facilitate this in an engaging and accessible way.”
Story: Delhi’s Travancore Palace on 14th and 15th February from 11 am to 8 pm. Tickets are available starting at ₹899 on BookMyShow.
published – February 13, 2026 11:41 am IST