Sound and Light Show – Old Fort, New Delhi – Ishq-e-Dilli; Son et lumière at Old Fort
Sound and Light Show at Old Fort, New Delhi is aptly called Ishq-e-Dilli or for the Love of Delhi. This sound and light show at Old Fort is a stirring and highly visual event that runs daily in the evenings. The one-hour show begins with the illumination of the South Gate or Humayun Gate.
The Sound & Light Show narrates the glorious and tumultuous history of the “7 Cities of Delhi“, her suitors and perpetrators.
Delhi’s Purana Qila, or Old Fort, is a mysterious place as its history is largely unknown. During an awe-inspiring sound and light show using state-of-the-art laser technology, you’ll learn about Delhi’s centuries of history.
Many travellers miss this lesser-known fort, but those who visit are amazed by its beauty and majesty, which is highlighted during this entertaining show.
For the uninitiated: The seven (7) cities of Delhi comprise of the following:
- The oldest city near the site of the Qutab Minar
- Siri or the area around Siri Fort Auditorium
- Tughlqabad – It goes by its name even today
- Jahanpanah or the area between Siri & Qutab
- Firozobad – We know it as Firoz Shah Kotla today
- The city around Purana Qila – Also known to be the Capital of Pandavas, Indraprastha
- Shahjahanabad – Today’s Old Delhi
Purana Qila or Old Fort – The Venue for Sound & Light show – Ishq-e-Dilli
Purana Qila, Hindustani for Old Fort also formerly called Shergarh & Sher Fort is one of the oldest forts in Delhi, India. The site has been continuously inhabited for 2,500 years and remains to date from the pre-Mauryan period have been found.
Today it is also the venue of Ishq-e-Dilli – the sound and light show.
Purana Qila is the venue for the sound and light show. Its environs once flourished as the “Sixth City of Delhi“. Purana Qila stands perhaps on the same location as of Indraprastha, believed to be the capital of the Pandavas. This also leads some to believe that the Old Fort was the “First City of Delhi“.
A paradox that encompasses the Immortal Delhi.
Delhi was loved, cared for, plundered and abandoned through its years of being. The rhapsody of unique ambience, special lighting effects and the intense narrative make this journey down the scars of Delhi an immersive experience.
Using laser beams and light projections on the walls of the Humayun Gate, a condensed story of Ishq-e-Dilli unfolds. The story walks one through the romanticism of erstwhile rulers & Delhi over the last 5000 years. The accompanying soundtrack complements the surroundings and the voices of Dilli are suitably dramatic and mysterious!
A word of caution. The seating in Purana Qila is in the open. The area is severely infested with mosquitoes that will attack you mercilessly. Do carry adequate repellants. Enjoy the show as well as the photos below.
Details for Sound and Light Show; Son et lumière – Immortal Delhi @ Purana Qila (Old Fort), New Delhi
| TIMINGS | HINDI | ENGLISH |
| Sept. to Oct. | 7.00 – 8.00 PM | 8.30 – 9.30 PM |
| Nov. to Jan. | 6.00 – 7.00 PM | 7.30 – 8.30 PM |
| Feb. to April | 7.00 – 8.00 PM | 8.30 – 9.30 PM |
| May to Aug. | 7.30 – 8.30 PM | 9.00 – 10.00 PM |
Click here for online booking
Tickets are available one hour before the show starts at the Purana Quila ticket booth.
Purana Qila is co-located with Delhi Zoo, next to Pragati Maidan on Mathura Road. the nearest metro station is Pragati Maidan and the bus stop is Delhi Zoo. The parking lot of the Zoo caters for visiting vehicles.
