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In a world fraught with animosity, unrest, aggression and apathy, watching news or reading the newspapers may often lead one to despondency. The constant feed of negativity, be it about international conflicts, cruelty towards animals, crimes against women, atrocities on the marginalized, misplaced notions of faith, environmental abuse and so on, makes one seek refuge in a modicum of solace. A walk through the Lodi Gardens, situated in New Delhi, is one such.
Lodi Gardens, whose main gate opens on Lodhi Road is roughly located between the heritage structures of Safdarjung’s Tomb and Humayun’s Tomb. It balances history, flora, fauna, fountains and modern amenities with charismatic élan. One needs more than one visit or a lot of time in hand to soak in the diversity it offers. Lodi Gardens is spread across ninety acres featuring 15th century tombs from Sayyid and Lodi Dynasties. Lodi Gardens is known to house monuments like Bada Gumbad, Shish Gumbad, Sikandar Lodi’s Tomb and Muhammad Shah’s Tomb. This area was originally known as Bagh- e-Jud. It was redesigned as a Mughal -style landscaped garden by Lady Willingdon in 1936 and named Lady Willingdon Park. Following independence, it was renamed Lodi Gardens and further landscaped by JA Stein in 1968.
It’s a delight to see the beautiful spring bloom in full glory, the herbal garden with its delicate spice and herb bushes or the arch adorning pink and purple bougainvillea flowers that leads to the glass house. Large trees abound the garden which are home to a variety of birds, insects, squirrels and perhaps other small rodents and reptiles. In the vast expanse, adjacent to Sikander Lodi’s tomb, is a small lake and a fountain providing a conducive ecosystem for small fish, ducks, tadpoles, frogs and water insects. Every corner of the garden exudes harmony: harmony of humans with plants, giant trees, animals, birds, insects, aquatic life and with the centuries old man- made structures.
Lodi Gardens hosts youngsters and the elderly alike. The sight of families on picnic, children playing shuttle, book reading or musical groups enjoying their penchant in its relaxing surrounds, are quite common. The garden can also boast of its loyalists in the regular morning and evening health enthusiasts who are brisk-walking, jogging or practicing yoga and pranayama. Pet parents also form a chunk of its regulars, walking or exercising their furry companions. It is heartening to sense the mantra of “live and let live” when one is in Lodi Gardens. It’s a sheer pleasure to watch a pack of community dogs joyfully playing with each other without the constant fear of being reviled by the visitors and regular walkers. It is good to see one sitting assured near someone doing yoga or being patted and pampered by young boys and girls. A troop of monkeys usually seen only in one corner of this green haven adds to the charm.
An attitude, seemingly of acceptance and egality of its visitors, makes the gardens even more endearing. It is time well spent in an oasis of harmony between man and nature.
After a visit to Lodi Gardens, one returns home exhilarated and wondering why the globe and its leaders find it difficult to imbibe its simple values.
The lines by Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee perhaps answers it in a way –
“Hone, na hone ka kram, isi tarah chalta rahega
Hum hain, hum rahenge
Yeh bhram bhi sadaa palta rahega”
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