Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra at a cultural event on Wednesday.
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Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra released the ‘Indraprastha anthem’ – a song on Delhi’s ancient and spiritual history – at a cultural event on Wednesday, dedicating it to “reviving the city’s ancient legacy”.
“Today, we are collectively reviving the real history of Delhi, a history that was long hidden or misrepresented,” Mr. Mishra said at a cultural event at Purana Qila. “Delhi’s distorted history is being replaced with the truth of Indraprastha,” he added.
The Delhi government and the Draupadi Dream Trust, an NGO, organised the event to celebrate what Mr. Mishra called “Delhi’s true identity” and recognise Indraprastha, the Pandavas’ capital in the epic Mahabharata.
Among the attendees were Harish Bhimani, famous for his ‘Samay’ narration in B.R. Chopra’s Mahabharata television series, Archaeological Survey of India Director General Dr. Y.S. Rawat, and archaeologist and Padma Shri awardee K.K. Muhammed.
Mr. Mishra said Kartik Purnima was the “read foundation day” of Delhi as it was on this day that Indraprastha was established. “This city is directly connected with Lord Krishna and Pandavas,” he said.
The unveiling of the Indraprastha anthem comes amid calls by Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Chandni Chowk MP Praveen Khandelwal to rename Delhi to Indraprastha, arguing that it “reflects the Capital’s historical and cultural roots”.
“Together, we are erasing the shadow that covered Delhi’s glorious past,” Mr. Mishra said. “The true cultural pride of Delhi is being restored; the city will once again be recognised as Indraprastha,” he said.
‘Promoting culture’
The Minister said the Delhi government is committed to promoting religious and cultural tourism. “Under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s leadership, we are working to restore Delhi’s authentic heritage. We aim to bring its true history before the world,” he said.
Mr. Mishra said the government ensured clean, safe arrangements for Chhath Puja and celebrated Hindu New Year, Navratri, and Deepawali at the State level for the first time.
Published – November 06, 2025 01:43 am IST
