Mandi House is the home of arts and culture in Delhi. Located in central Delhi, it has a number of theatre groups, auditoriums, cafes, cultural centres among other things.
It has renowned academic institutions like the National School of Drama (Delhi), Lady Irwin College and auditoriums like Kamani Auditorium, LTG (Little Theatre Group) Auditorium and Shri Ram Centre for Performing Arts to name a few.
In addition to that, it is also the residence of a number of students, artists and top-level bureaucrats.
Shivam Sharma, a resident in the area. says, “I have been living in Mandi House for the past one and a half years. It seems a nice place and is always lively in nature, being the centre of arts and culture. You’ll always see artists on the street performing something or reading scripts of the plays.”
Sharma likes to walk on the streets.
“I really like to roam around on the streets and see people make drawings, paintings, and also sing at night. In addition to that, it is a safe area since there is a lot of security in the area.”
Priya, a student of PGDAV College, DU, visited the place and shared her experience.
“I got to know about this place through Instagram. I am really inclined towards art and painting. I really love the art exhibitions in the area.”
Here is a look at what you can enjoy at the Mandi House:
1. National School of Drama (NSD)
Training at the NSD has always been a dream for almost all aspiring actors and artists. Established in 1959 by Sangeet Natak Akademi, it became an independent body in 1975. There are a number of stage-plays that students of NSD perform every month. The plays can be witnessed by people going there as it is open to visitors. Sometimes, the entry is free.
2. Shri Ram Centre for Performing Arts
This centre provides specialised courses in theatre and acting for aspirants and also has an auditorium for stage-plays. People can buy tickets for stage-plays and can enjoy performances of the actors. In addition to that, it also has one of the most spectacular canteens that provide a range of food tempting for the youth. A number of people visit the canteen every day to just try these delicacies.
3. Himachal Bhawan
The place is renowned for sales discount on branded clothes, shoes and other accessories. This place offers all kinds of western, Indian and other basic attire at a relatively lower cost than the original price rate. It is available for both men and women. If you are a bit tired and dehydrated, you can try Himachal Pradesh government-promoted HPMC (Horticulture Produce Marketing & Processing Corporation)’s apple juice from the vending counter there.
4. Bangali Mal Market
Known commonly as Bengali Market, it is one of the most renowned places in the Capital for food lovers. This market houses a number of shops, eating joints and restaurants serving sweets and other snacks. Some of the well-known shops of this market are Nathu’s Sweets and Bengali Sweet House.
5. Sanjana Tewari’s book stall
Sanjana has been selling books for more than 26 years in the area and sits opposite the Shri Ram Centre. Books that she sells belong mostly to Hindi literature. She also owns a publishing house which is called Sanjana Publications. The timing of the shop is 11-10 pm.
6. Triveni Kala Sangam
Situated on Tansen Marg, it is one of the most significant complexes for arts and culture as well as education. It was founded in 1950 by Sundari K. Shridharini. This centre is home to four art galleries, outdoor theatre, open air sculpture gallery and a chamber theatre. Apart from that, it runs a variety of dance, music and arts classes.
