Old Delhi's Unique Holi: Donkey Procession, 'Grand Fools' Convention 50 Years Ago

• Old Delhi's Bhagirath Palace hosted a unique Holi celebration 50 years ago, featuring a donkey procession and a 'Mahamurkh Sammelan' (Grand Fools' Convention).
• Initiated by Padma Shri Pandit Gopal Prasad Ji, a renowned humor poet who resided in Bhagirath Palace, the event attracted humor poets nationwide.
• Prominent Bollywood comedians like Mukri, Junior Mehmood, and Jagdeep, along with poetess Amrita Pritam, regularly attended the convention.
• The tradition faded after Pandit Ji moved and subsequent organizers passed away, coupled with Old Delhi's transformation from residential to commercial.
• Revival of the tradition seems unlikely due to the passing of key figures and residents moving out of Old Delhi.