In the midst of all the chaos that comes as part of Delhi being a big, modern city, the old-world charm of history and culture scattered throughout it is always a welcome respite. While there’s no denying the post-modern appeal of Lutyens’ Delhi, nothing comes close to the magic in the streets of Purani Dilli. It’s in these narrow lanes with wire-clogged skies, bazaars, monuments, ruins, and street food joints that you find the pulse of the city. One incredible spot that beautifully fosters all of this old-world charm and culture in Old Delhi that we stumbled upon recently is the Kathika Cultural Centre.
Kathika is a one-of-its-kind museum and cultural center located in the historic neighborhood of Kucha Pati Ram in Sita Ram Bazar, Old Delhi. Unlike typical museums that are housed in buildings with post-modern or contemporary architecture, Kathika is located inside two adjacent havelis built in the 19th century (or Museum-Wali-Haveli as they like to call themselves!) The havelis have been meticulously restored and equipped with the necessary modern amenities, while preserving the character of a typical Old-Delhi style Haveli. It’s a quintessential Old Delhi haveli that carries character in its very structure, with an open courtyard with trees, mughal-style archways and doors, the works.
Other than the space, Kathika has also preserved the cultural aspects and the history of Old Delhi quite well. It is a holistic experiential center dedicated to all things Old Delhi, and hosts a range of heritage and photo explorations, culinary experiences, crafts workshops, heritage baithaks, and more. In fact, the idea of the space itself borrows from the medieval art of dastan-goi and kathawachan traditions of storytelling, paying homage to storytellers that once frequented Old Delhi, then known as Shahjahanabad – be it a Baithak in formal settings or a tangawalla narrating his fables and experiences to his passengers. Their recent Aam-E-Khas experience is a perfect example of this, which was an ode to mangoes with Delhi heritage expert Sohail Hashmi.
While these unique experiences are ever evolving and keep taking place every now and then, Kathika’s museum collection makes it worth a visit any day of the week. On display in the museum are several archival photographs, decorative arts, textiles, and crafts that give you a rare glimpse into the history of Old Delhi. The museum is definitely a place we’d recommend if you’re keen towards learning about the city’s rich history and culture, all through interactive displays, multimedia exhibits and live demonstrations.
