History Beckons at Red Fort... walk in to uncover the story

Hyderabad: A sense of chill runs down the spine when one witnesses a historic event, filling one with energy and sometimes, pride. And this is what Dalmia Bharat's ‘Monument Mitra’ project does.

Dalmia Bharat Limited, a leading cement manufacturing company, was selected as a ‘Monument Mitra’ to adopt and develop tourist amenities at the nation’s iconic 17th-century heritage site, Red Fort as part of the government’s “Adopt a Heritage” project by the ministry of tourism in collaboration with the ministry of culture and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

As part of their efforts to highlight this national symbol as a global tourist attraction, Dalmia Bharat has introduced world-class amenities and state-of-the-art shows, transforming it into a one-of-a-kind experience for all. There are three major attractions at the Red Fort area - The Red Fort visitor centre, Matrubhumi-projection mapping and Jai Hind sound and light show.

Launched in July 2022, the Red Fort Centre is housed in a 19th-century British barrack and provides visitors with a walkthrough of the Red Fort before they go and see the actual fort.  A museum on the first floor covering nine main locations of the Red Fort,  a 360° immersive show, an augmented reality photography zone, a cafeteria and a  souvenir shop are the major attractions of the Red Fort Centre.

The Visitor Centre, Afsana, is divided into four zones – Safar, Zindagi, Tareekh and Hum Ek Hain.

While most people visit Delhi mainly to see the Taj Mahal, Dalmia Bharat holds the heritage of the Red Fort and attracts thousands to visit.

Matrubhumi captures the journey of India over 5,000 years through projection mapping and laser on the magnificent front facade of the Red Fort. It showcases the ancient Harappan civilisation and the Vedic age, dynasties like the Mauryas, Cholas and Guptas and how India has excelled in the field of spirituality, philosophy, mathematics, science, and economics. The show will stir the emotions of Indians and make them feel proud of the ‘indestructible spirit’ of our Matrubhumi and its people.

The Jai Hind - Red Fort Sound and Light Show, was open to the public from 17th January 2023. The show has been developed by Dalmia Bharat in partnership with Sabhyata Foundation. Jai Hind - The Sound and Light Show is a dramatic presentation of the history of India from the 17th century to the present day. Creating an immersive and multi-sensory experience, the show is a fusion of several forms of performance art – projection mapping, live-action films, advanced light and sound effects, actors, dancers, and puppets. It brings alive key episodes including the tussle for power between Dara Shikoh and Aurangzeb, the plunder of Red Fort and Shajahanabad by Nadir Shah, the rise of the Marathas and their control of Red Fort, the 1857 War of Independence, the rise of the Indian National Army and the INA trials, the fight for Independence and India’s continuing progress over the past 75 years.

The show is narrated by Amitabh Bachchan** as “WAQT” and is a walkthrough experience staged at - Naubat Khana, Diwan-e-Aam and Diwan-e-Khas – the 3 most prominent locations at Red Fort. Starting at the Naubat Khana where the guests are welcome, Waqt then takes the audience to the scene of Red Fort’s inauguration in 1648 which is enacted by life-size puppets at the Diwan-e-Aam.

Visitors also get to witness spectacular Kathak performances, bringing forth the celebrations from the reign of Emperor Shahjahan. From here, the audience moves to the lawns of Diwan-e-Khas and watches the show seated for the next 35-40 minutes.

Renowned dancer and choreographer Maitreyee Pahari is the Director of the Show comprising a troupe of 60 dancers and actors. Indian Violinist, Sharad Chandra Srivastava has composed the riveting music and soundtracks for the show. Adding to the grandeur, are life-size puppets by acclaimed puppeteer, Dadi Pudumji.

Jai Hind is the first Sound and Light show ever to showcase live actors and hi-tech projection mapping technology at a heritage site.