India, Nov. 6 -- F or the first time in decades, Mehrauli will miss the fragrance, colour and community spirit of its iconic Phool Walon Ki Sair, the centuries-old festival that celebrates communal harmony. Held annually at Aam Bagh, the event has been cancelled this year after the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) denied permission. "It is very disappointing not just for us, but for all those who attend every year. It is such a spirit of community that can be sensed in the air... It has made the year feel incomplete," says Usha Kumar, general secretary of Anjuman Sair-e-Gul Faroshan, which has been organising the festival since 1961. According to reports, the organisers said the DDA denied permission, claiming the venue falls under the Forest Department, while the department clarified that the land is owned by the DDA. Traditionally, devotees offer a floral chaadar and pankha at the Dargah of Khwaja Bakhtiar Kaki and another pankha and chhatra at the Yogmaya Temple. Sneha Raj from Delhi University's Miranda House Heritage Walk Society Raahi shares, "We were planning a walk during the festival. As students of history, we've learnt so much about it. The cancellation has left us all disappointed." Iqbal, a third-generation phoolwaala from Mehrauli, adds, "Mahinon pehle hi hum phool pankhe banane lag jaate hain. Each design is made with care, using flowers like marigold and jasmine. This year, with the festival cancelled, it feels like our effort and heritage have both been left incomplete." The DDA has not responded to our queries....