Top secret: The very private world of Delhi’s detectives

They may not be as smart as the fictional Sherlock Holmes or Byomkesh Bakshi but the national capital boasts of a handful of private investigators carrying out pre-matrimony checks and corporate espionage

‘He can’t be a spy’. Sanjay Colony refugees stand by their man

Refugees living in the Bhatti Mines area in the capital are in a state of shock after Bhag Chand, a long-time resident of the colony, was arrested on allegations of involvement in a Pakistani espionage racket. Patriot visits the site for a ground check

Down refugee lane: How Delhi made space for the displaced

The refugees who poured into the city after Partition changed not only the map of Delhi but also its cuisine and culture. Even after 75 years, old-timers can still remember how things used to be

Go fly a kite, they say

A festive celebration and a traditional sport, kite-flying is dear to children and adults alike. Enthusiasts form clubs and associations to garner prestige in the community. Patriot interacts with those involved in the sport to understand what it means to them

Offtrack thrills: Getting down and dirty 

The craze for off-roading captured a few individuals in Delhi-NCR around 10 years back. Over the years, what started as a mere hobby has moulded veterans

Balancing act: Learning the ropes of slacklining

The fun has just begun for slackliners in the national capital. They don’t regard the sport as a demanding one, just love the feeling of belonging to a sporting community and of having a reason to be outdoors

In the dead of night, they ride their horses

Once a popular folk sport in the national capital, horse-riding has been reduced to a trickle. Enthusiasts keep the tradition alive secretly, often at night or the break of dawn. Patriot interacts with those involved in the game to know its many customs

Angry birds

A traditional sport whose origin finds a mention in age-old folklore, cockfighting is a game that garners equal criticism and fascination. Patriot interacts with those involved in the sport, as the game thrives despite its contested legality