Capital culture

ON January 14, Lutyens’ Delhi had a different colour to it. The bungalows of some of the Ministers were decorated and lit to celebrate Makar Sankranti. The celebrations seemed to signal markedly that the BJP is ruling the nation. Makar Sankranti marks the transition of the sun into the zodiacal sign of Makara (Capricorn) on its celestial path. It’s believed that the sun ends its southward journey (Sanskrit: Dakshinayana) at the Tropic of Capricorn, and starts moving northward (Sanskrit: Uttarayaana) towards the Tropic of Cancer. It’s considered very auspicious among Hindus. Minister of Steel and Mines Narendra Singh Tomar celebrated with fanfare. Bhajan singers were invited especially from Gwalior. There was, admittedly, no VVIP or VIP culture evident: Tomar’s admirers and supporters were coming and meeting the minister. Secretary of Mines Balvinder Kumar, Secretary of Steel Aruna Sundararajan and SAIL Chairman PK Singh were present. There was seating for dining and typically traditional vegetarian food was served. Tomar personally supervised the arrangements. Walking distance away, at Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Road, M Venkaiah Naidu was celebrating Makar Sankranti in the august company of Narendra Modi with half the Cabinet in attendance. Lutyens’ Delhi seems to be witnessing a change of culture!

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