Delhi Weekend Roundup: What To Do This Weekend?

The season of spring is just here and Delhi is unzipping its jackets and coming out of its sweaters. Events are happening throughout the city, ranging from film screenings to flower shows and music festivals to art exhibitions. As the temperature rises, so does the energy of the city, with parks and gardens bursting with colourful blooms and people eager to soak up the sun after the chilly winter months. Street markets are abuzz with vendors selling seasonal delicacies and vibrant textiles, while cafes spill onto the sidewalks with patrons enjoying the mild weather. As the weekend is here, we have culled together a list of the top events around the city. Take a look and decide how you wish to spend your weekend, depending on your pace and inclination.

Shop At A Bubbly Bazaar

Don't miss the Bengal Bazaar this weekend, curated by Srila Chatterjee. The exhibition features contemporary apparel, art, home decor and gastronomy designs. Highlights of the bazaar include exquisite creations of Shola Flowers and mesmerising terracotta sculptures by Dolon Kundu. Visitors can also explore diverse creations from esteemed brands like Sadaf, Needle, Amoli, Hasa, and The Bindi Project. Bengal Bazaar celebrates creativity and craftsmanship in various fields and promises an immersive experience for all.

Dates: February 15 to 17, 11 am to 7 pm

Venue: Hauz Khas, Delhi

Pop In A Festival Celebrating Craftsmanship

Experience vibrant colours, rhythmic beats, and cultural splendour at the Surajkund International Crafts Mela. This event blends India's rich diversity and timeless traditions, offering an immersive experience. The Surajkund Mela Authority, in collaboration with the Haryana Tourism squad, organises the festival, showcasing an exquisite array of handcrafted fabrics and artisanal crafts that demonstrate the unparalleled skill and creativity of Indian artisans. Moreover, the 37th edition of the Mela welcomes the participation of nations such as Tanzania, Kazakhstan, and the UAE, adding an exciting international dimension to this global celebration. Get ready to be captivated as you embark on a journey of cultural discovery and artistic splendour at the Surajkund International Crafts Mela.

Dates: February 2 to 18, 10 am onwards

Venue: Surajkund Ground, Faridabad

Address: F7QP+2PX, Lakewood city, Surajkund, Faridabad, Haryana 121010

The tickets start from INR 120 for weekdays and INR 180 for weekends.

Treat Your Palate With A Taste Of Nostalgia

Join the Zaiqa-E-Dilli Food Festival and experience the rich flavours of Old Delhi. The festival celebrates Old Delhi's culinary heritage with over 100 dishes, including iconic street food like Aloo Tikki and Golguppa, succulent kebabs and regal Mughlai delicacies.

The General Manager, Pankaj Gupta, promises immersive experiences that preserve indigenous recipes while Executive Chef Roushan highlights Old Delhi's culinary tapestry. Experience the flavourful adventure through Old Delhi's streets, accompanied by soulful Sufi music and engaging activities.

Dates: February 16 to 29, 7 pm to 11 pm

Venue: Infinity, Crowne Plaza Mayur Vihar

Address: Plot No 13B Crowne Plaza Hotel, Mayur Vihar, New Delhi, Delhi 110091

Price: INR 2,699 plus taxes

Engage The Reader In You At A Book Fair

The New Delhi World Book Fair (NDWBF) is celebrating its 50th anniversary. NDWBF is organised by the National Book Trust, India, and co-organized by ITPO. The fair is a vital platform for exhibitors to engage with India's expanding publishing industry, fostering co-publication agreements and facilitating trade. Here, you can find plenty of books to prepare a comprehensive reading list for the rest of the year. NDWBF transcends boundaries with participation from major publishing houses worldwide, enriching the literary discourse and fostering international collaboration.

Dates: February 10 - 18, 11 am onwards

Venue: Pragati Maidan

Address: Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, Delhi 110001, India

You can book your tickets on their website online.

Tune In To An Evening Of Hearty Laughter

Join a weekend of double delight with Kanan Gill, comprising his fourth stand-up comedy show, "OK Bye," and "The Book Experience," an immersive journey into the world of literature centred around his novel, "Acts of God." The Book Experience will feature readings, discussions, a Q&A session and a signed copy of the book for every attendee.

Dates: February 17 and 18, 7:30 pm

Venue: Kedarnath Sahni Auditorium

Address: J6RH+329, SKD Basti, Press Enclave, Ajmeri Gate, New Delhi, Delhi, 110002

You can book your tickets on their booking website.

Enjoy An Evening Of Fulfilling Food

Head to Chica Loca for a hearty meal, a stylish world cuisine and cocktail bar in Noida. Chef Vaibhav Bhargava curates the restaurant and offers a diverse culinary journey inspired by Sunny Leone's international travels. Chica Loca's Sunday Brunch features an extensive range of delectable dishes and creative cocktails.

Try Chef Bhargava's Asian specialities, such as the Bok Choy, water chestnut, and tofu chilli wontons, or indulge in the Uramaki Sushi Rolls, which consist of Panko-crusted cheese bites with Monterey Jack, Cheddar cheese, and cilantro. The menu also includes small plates, including Vietnamese rice paper rolls filled with asparagus tempura and herbs, as well as Sesame Chicken Toast that pairs perfectly with creatively named drinks like Peetal vs Gold, Rainbow Trippin, and Charlie. Additionally, there are live pizza and pasta stations, along with a generous selection of breads, rice, and noodles.

Chica Loca promises an unforgettable dining experience with a charming terrace and vibrant atmosphere.

Address: Gulshan One 29, Noida

Timings: 12 pm to 3 pm

Cost: INR 3,000 per head

Witness A Spectacle Of Bright Hues

The Embassy of the Netherlands and NDMC (New Delhi Municipal Council) are organising the second Tulip Festival. The festival aims to showcase the vibrant colours of tulips and strengthen cultural ties between India and the Netherlands. The event will feature an open-air musical masterpiece called "Song of Water" by Pandit Shubhendra Rao and Maestro Saskia Rao-de Haas at Nehru Park. The festival celebrates 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries and will include a symbolic Tulip Walk led by Ambassador Marisa Gerards and Chairman of NDMC, Mr. Amit Yadav. Additionally, an exhibition will trace tulips' journey from the Netherlands to India.

Dates: February 10-20

Venue: Shantipath Lawn

Address: H5XR+MH3, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110021