Ghalib’s haveli to display rare personal belongings of poet

New Delhi: Mirza Ghalib`s haveli, which is being restored to its former glory, will display rare personal belongings of the great Urdu poet on his 214th birth anniversary on December 27.

An exhibition of his rare memorabilia, famous letters and soundtrack of his works by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) will be inaugurated by Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit. The event will also feature a documentary film `Yadgar-E-Ghalib`, written and directed by kathak maestro Uma Sharma. "The objective is to make the haveli an important marker on the heritage tourism trail of Delhi. The exhibition and the soundtrack will weave together a lively tale of Ghalib`s life and works which will be attractive to both the foreign and Indian tourists," said Suresh K Goel, Director General of ICCR. "Since we cannot display the original items because of security reasons, we will have digital replicas of his letters and other personal belongings. It is for the first time that celebrations have been extended to three days." "Special care was taken to put together historic letters and other memorabilia of the legendary poet and the house where Ghalib lived most of his life. These priceless exhibits will be on display as a permanent feature," said Sharma, the founder of the Ghalib Memorial Movement. The celebrations begin on December 26 with a mushaira, the following day will be the candle light procession that will include distinguished poet Gulzar, diplomat Pavan K Varma and musician Ustad Iqbal Ahmed Khan among others. `Ghalib in New Delhi`, a comedy play will be staged on the final day. PTI