Priyanka Saxena Ray
Delhi for Film Tourism
Delhi Tourism is actively promoting Delhi as a premier film shooting destination. With the introduction of the Delhi Film Tourism Policy in 2022, the department has streamlined film permissions through a single-window portal, simplifying the application process for filmmakers. Currently, we work with over 1,500 agencies and land-owning bodies, coordinating required permits based on shooting locations and logistical needs.
To further encourage official applications, we’ve urged the film fraternity and industry guilds to apply exclusively through the portal, avoiding intermediaries. To make the process even more accessible, we are considering “deemed” permissions if approvals aren’t processed within a set timeframe. Additionally, we have encouraged all stakeholders to prioritize applications that come through official channels, enhancing efficiency.
Delhi Tourism offers a substantial film subsidy of up to INR 3 crore or 25% of the production cost, whichever is less, to eligible projects. A committee reviews applications, examining how much of the film was shot in Delhi to determine the subsidy. For instance, the movie ‘12th Fail’ is under review, with much of it shot in Mukherjee Nagar, Delhi.
To showcase Delhi’s cinematic potential, we have curated over 500 shooting locations, encompassing heritage sites managed by the MCD, ASI, and NDMC, among others. Our marketing efforts include participation in global film events like the Cannes Film Festival, IFFI Goa, and others, where we spotlight Delhi’s rich heritage, varied architecture, and vibrant culinary landscape. While some logistical costs may be higher compared to Mumbai, Delhi’s distinctive locations, from iconic monuments to hidden gems, offer unmatched visual appeal.
Heritage Walks
Additionally, Delhi Tourism is promoting local heritage sites through guided walks. We’ve recently launched the second edition of these heritage walks, focusing on Delhi government-managed properties, such as the Mehrauli Archaeological Park. This season, 100 heritage walks are scheduled, providing a unique opportunity to explore the lesser-known historic treasures of Delhi, barring the high-pollution months.
Through these initiatives, Delhi Tourism aims to position the city as a vibrant hub for film production and cultural exploration, ensuring a seamless experience for filmmakers while promoting Delhi’s extraordinary heritage.
Our heritage walks are designed for the public, typically accommodating 20-25 participants per session to ensure an immersive experience. Each walk is led by a knowledgeable historian or storyteller, covering various parts of Delhi. Rather than focusing solely on monuments, these walks explore thematic stories—such as Old Delhi as a post-Partition refugee hub, or Hauz Khas as a vibrant cultural site—offering unique perspectives on well-known landmarks.
For instance, in Old Delhi, we don’t just tour Jama Masjid or Red Fort. Instead, we guide participants through the historical Gauri Shankar Mandir Road, delve into hidden alleys, explore old havelis, and immerse in the atmosphere of Chandni Chowk. Other specialized tours include cinema heritage walks, walks through historical gates like Turkman and Kashmiri Gates, and even a new pottery walk in Uttam Nagar, showcasing Delhi’s rich pottery traditions.
These walks, listed on our website, are priced at ₹550 each. Spaces are limited, and participants can register through our online portal. With sessions held on both weekdays and weekends, we’re thrilled to see high interest, especially during weekends. Heritage lovers are connecting deeply with these experiences, appreciating the blend of history and storytelling that brings Delhi’s rich cultural landscape to life.
Festivals and Events
Delhi Tourism hosts a variety of seasonal events and festivals across the city. Our event season kicks off in autumn, as outdoor events aren’t feasible in Delhi’s summer heat. During summer, however, we conduct a theatre workshop with the National School of Drama for children, providing a soft skills development opportunity in a relaxed, creative environment. NSD manages the selection of 150 participants, training them for 7-10 days, culminating in a performance for families and friends.
In the festive season, we hold popular events like the Diwali Mela and the Dandiya Festival, with the latter attracting up to 25,000 attendees at National Stadium, especially from the student community. Next, we have the much-anticipated Ittar and Subandi Mela, to be held at Nehru Park, followed by the Northeast Festival in Central Park. In partnership with the Northeast Zone Cultural Centre, this festival showcases artists and cultural performances from all eight Northeastern states, drawing crowds of up to 45,000 each day.
December brings our Winter Carnival, a blend of food, art, and winter festivities near Christmas. Additionally, our Garden of Five Senses hosts a yearly Garden Festival, which sometimes highlights specific themes like bonsai or bougainvillea, offering horticultural experiences to celebrate Delhi’s rich greenery.
Delhi’s annual Mango Festival is another standout, held in June or July to showcase the variety of mangoes available. Moving forward, we aim to establish a fixed date to capture the peak season for mangoes and improve the event’s variety and appeal.
Beyond planned events, we explore impromptu festivals celebrating nature and seasons, such as a potential Malhar Festival during the monsoon. We also showcase heritage properties as event backdrops, such as Jamali Kamali and other historical sites, to enhance cultural engagement. Through these events, we aim to highlight the diversity of Delhi’s offerings and foster a deeper connection between residents and the city’s cultural and natural heritage.
Initiatives in the Pipeline
Our vision at Delhi Tourism is to promote Delhi as a brand that offers diverse experiences for every interest, showcasing the city beyond its monuments. While other departments focus on historic sites, we aim to present Delhi as a dynamic, all-encompassing destination where visitors can immerse themselves in whatever piques their curiosity.
Some travellers come solely for Delhi’s culinary delights, others for shopping at iconic markets like Sadar Bazaar and Chandni Chowk. Many are here to explore libraries, museums, and UNESCO heritage sites. We provide the options, leaving the choice to each visitor, creating a unique Delhi experience for everyone.
Safety remains a concern for some, though Delhi is often portrayed as less secure than it is in reality. We’re actively working to make our venues more women-friendly, with initiatives like installing secure, accessible amenities and family-friendly spaces across our properties.
BLURB
Our vision at Delhi Tourism is to promote Delhi as a brand that offers diverse experiences for every interest, showcasing the city beyond its monuments. While other departments focus on historic sites, we aim to present Delhi as a dynamic, all-encompassing destination where visitors can immerse themselves in whatever piques their curiosity.
Some travellers come solely for Delhi’s culinary delights, others for shopping at iconic markets like Sadar Bazaar and Chandni Chowk. Many are here to explore libraries, museums, and UNESCO heritage sites. We provide the options, leaving the choice to each visitor, creating a unique Delhi experience for everyone.
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