Old Delhi iftars revive Mughal heritage, one course at a time On a rooftop in Delhi’s historic walled city, guests from across India and abroad gather on cushions around a low table overlooking Jama Masjid, waiting for the sunset call to prayer — a signal to begin a special iftar that transports them back four centuries to the Mughal era. The event, known as Dastarkhwan-e-Jahaanuma, has been held in Old Delhi since 2017, blending culinary traditions with cultural storytelling to honor the Mughal legacy. The Mughals, who ruled the Indian subcontinent from the 16th to 19th centuries, drew from Arab, Persian, and Ottoman traditions while integrating them with local Indian styles. This fusion is evident in the architecture of Jama Masjid, one of the most iconic Mughal structures, which serves as a backdrop for the curated iftars. Each gathering brings together 40 to 50 people from diverse backgrounds, fostering a sense of unity through shared meals and experiences. Participants describe the event as a unique blend of history, food, and community. Arvind Sirohi, who attended with his wife, praised the “amazing storytelling, amazing food” and the “beautiful ambience” of the setting. Veena Sirohi highlighted the event’s role in bridging cultures, noting how it “synthesizes different cultures” and emphasizes the shared human experience. The iftar features dishes that reflect Mughal culinary heritage, such as mutanjan — fragrant rice cooked with ghee, sugar, saffron, cardamom, and nuts — and shabde, a rich meat stew or Delhi biryani. The meal concludes with nihari, a hearty stew simmered overnight, traditionally enjoyed by Mughal royals.#jama_masjid #old_delhi #dastarkhwan_e_jahaanuma #abu_sufiyan_khan #ayandrali_dutta
