10th Lodhi Art Festival Returns to South Delhi Streets

New Delhi — What do Lodhi Road residents, Instagrammable walls, and sneaker-clad college photographers have in common this month? The Lodhi Art Festival is back, marking 10 years of bringing world-class street art to our own backyard. If you’ve strolled past Meharchand Market or caught the early metro to Jor Bagh lately, you’ve probably seen fresh splashes of colour taking over the dull urban facades. Delhi’s first and only public art district is alive again—and it’s more than just a photo op.

The Street Gallery with No Entry Fee

Organised by St+art India, the Lodhi Art Festival 2024 celebrates a decade of art in the open, transforming the Lodhi Colony area into a sprawling outdoor gallery. This South Delhi neighbourhood—usually a low-key buffer between Khan Market and INA—now hosts artists from across India and the world who’ve painted murals that tackle themes like sustainability, identity, and urban evolution.

Unlike conventional art exhibitions in formal galleries, this one demands no ticket, no dress code, and no checking bags at the entrance. Just walk, look up, and absorb. The walls between Khanna Market and Lodhi Gardens are splashed with massive artworks—some up to 40 feet tall. You’ll see new names next to established mural legends, and the mix is as eye-catching as it is thoughtful. The murals aren’t just pretty—they’re conversation starters. One entry features an indigenous Gond art interpretation of climate change, while another shows a girl playing kabaddi in a retro-futuristic Delhi.

Curated walks, kids’ workshops, and artist-led talks are part of the line-up, promising not just great photos but context, community, and culture. And yes—some pieces glow subtly under twilight, making evening strolls along rear lanes surprisingly cinematic.

Why People Are Actually Talking About It

For students from nearby colleges like NIFT Hauz Khas or JNU, the festival is both inspiration and a free escape. “We’ve been using the murals as backdrops for portfolio shoots,” said Ayesha, a photography student snapping pics near the Gol Market stretch. For office-goers from Jor Bagh and Bhikaji Cama, it offers a refreshing visual break. Auto drivers doing the India Habitat Centre loop report more local tourists this month—“Zyada selfie wale log aa rahe hain,” said a samosa vendor near Lodhi Garden gate 3.

Families visiting from Lajpat Nagar or even Ghaziabad are making a full day of it: first Khan Market brunch, then an art walk, and finishing at India Gate or Sunder Nursery. Shopkeepers in Khanna Market say footfall is up on weekends, especially between 4–6 PM, when the soft light makes the murals pop. Locals advise avoiding peak hours on Saturdays, when walking lanes can get genuinely packed with tripods and influencers trying to get the perfect Reel.

Delhi Didn’t Always Have This

A decade ago, public art in Delhi was mostly limited to political graffiti or fading Bollywood posters on metro pillars. The idea of a designated art district was unheard of until the first iteration of the Lodhi Art Festival launched in 2015. What began with a handful of wall paintings evolved into a city-backed movement that had Delhiites thinking about what our public spaces could be.

Cities like Berlin and Melbourne have long embraced street art as mainstream culture. Now, Delhi has its own contender. Notably, unlike other metro areas in India where street art is often sporadic and unmaintained, Lodhi’s Art District is regularly updated, curated, and preserved, making it a living canvas. Over the years, you might also notice subtle nods to Delhi’s evolving culture—from tandoori chai graphics to internet meme murals. It’s public art that speaks our language.

Heading There? Don’t Miss These Tips

Start early: Mornings (8–10 AM) are best for peaceful viewing and clean photos before the crowd builds up.
Bring water and comfy shoes: You’ll be walking close to 2 km if you want to cover the full stretch.
Hop off at Jor Bagh Metro Station (Yellow Line): Exit Gate 1 leads you right into mural territory after a 5-minute walk.

📍 Spot Check: Closest landmarks include Jor Bagh Metro Station, Khanna Market, India Habitat Centre, and Sunder Nursery—all within 1.5 km radius. Parking near Lodhi Garden is limited, so metros or autos are smarter options on weekends.

The Final Word

Urban Delhi doesn’t always get things right—but Lodhi Art Festival shows what’s possible when artists, planners, and communities collaborate. It’s the kind of initiative that makes you stop scrolling and start exploring your own city blocks. Whether you’re there to shoot aesthetics, teach your kids about creativity, or just escape a screen-heavy day, there’s a corner of Lodhi waiting to surprise you. What mural spoke to you most this year—or did you miss the best one?