AMN /
New Delhi: One of the most important cultural event of the national capital Delhi, the Republic Day Mushaira (poetry recitation) in the historic Red Fort, has been cancelled for the first time. According to reports the historic Mushaira was called off, following the Central government denying permission for the event citing security concerns. This is the first time that the event has been called off, since it was revived by India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1950.
For centuries Mughal Emperors used to preside over the annual poetry recitation in the settings of Diwan-e-Aam, inviting the general public to hear leading poets of the times. But it was stopped, when the British took over Red Fort in 1857, following the failed First War of Independence. When Nehru revived the tradition, in 1950, it was held in the month of February.
But a year later, it was coincided with the celebrations of Republic Day. However a decade ago, citing security concerns, it was moved to January 17. This year however it has been called off completely, since the Ministry of Defence is holding an event at the Red Fort.
While the organiser, the Delhi government’s Urdu Academy, blames the Central government, many said that mismanagement by Delhi’s AAP government was responsible for the cancellation of the event.