Immerse In Narratives Of Old Delhi At The Kathika Cultural Centre

Tucked away in the lanes of Old Delhi is the Kathika Cultural Centre, a one-of-a-kind museum-style haveli that promotes and revitalises lost cultural practises through performing arts, baithaks, book debates, other interactive activities, and culinary experiences to resurrect Delhi's nostalgic customs.

The project pays homage to the dastan-goi and kathawachan storytelling traditions and tries to highlight the connectivity of different eras in Delhi's history. The term "Kathika" is derived from the kathwachan and dastaan narrative traditions, which described the Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb of the old city.

The initiative aims to resurrect long-gone customs and showcase the layers of history present in Old Delhi communities.

The Roots

The founder of Kathika, Atul Khanna, thought of the idea when he came across a newspaper article in 2015 about two dilapidated late 19th-century havelis crumbling. "Since my family originally hails from Katra Neel, Purani Dilli, I felt it might be a good fit for a passion project and began the restoration work. The havelis that date back to the late Mughal era (1800 to 1860), now restored, are open to all as the Kathika Cultural Centre." As such, it has been refurbished and turned into a dynamic, multi-use space.

You can read Khanna's interview here.

The Haveli Space

The Kathika haveli was built during the late Mughal era and retains many of the period's architectural elements. It boasts an artistically carved buff sandstone outside façade and semi-circular arched openings, both of which are typical of the period. The haveli features a central courtyard and is decorated with beautiful glazed majolica tiles imported from Japan. Furniture, magnificent sculptures, and gorgeous chandeliers may also be seen in this Haveli. Overall, architecture provides as a valuable link to the past, as Mughal grandeur meets traces of British architectural ideals. You will find an elegant array of antiquities, including a rare typewriter, phonograph, gramophone, a vintage clock period furniture items, Raja Ravi Varma Prints, ice cream machines, paintings, and a collection of rare images of Delhi.

The Activities

Many cultural activities are organised to bridge the gap between the past and the present. For example, Swapna Liddle's book "Shahjahanabad: Mapping a Mughal City" (Roli Books) was launched at Kathika's inauguration, followed by an art workshop led by Amrai Dua. On the occasion of the late Mexican artist Frida Kahlo's birth anniversary, a workshop paid tribute to her. Kathika also hosted a storytelling session with historian and heritage keeper Sohail Hashmi. The Aam-e-Khaas session centred on the Mango fruit, regarded as the king of fruits and a universal favourite.

The Information

Address: 1237, Gali Khatikan, Imli Mohalla, Mohalla IMLI, Kucha Pati Ram, Sitaram Bazar, Delhi, 110006

Website: Kathika Culture Centre