Firoz Shah Kotla

Firoz Shah Kotla was the fortified palace complex built by Firoz Shah, Delhi’s Sultan from 1351 to 1388. He was a prodigious builder and one of the first architectural conservationists whose restoration projects included sections of the Qutb Minar. For today’s Delhi-ites, Firoz Shah Kotla is more popularly associated with Delhi’s cricket ground, which takes its name from this architectural site.

Although its architectural attractions include a large mosque, a step-well and a third century Ashokan Pillar (‘collected’ and brought to Delhi by Firoz Shah), the most interesting aspect of Firoz Shah Kotla is the significance it holds for local Sufis, who believe that djinns inhabit the area.

Throughout the week, but particularly on Thursday afternoons, believers visit the dark chambers that run beneath the mosque and inside the Ashokan Pillar buildings to pay their respects to the djinns (genies). The djinns are believed to inhabit our world alongside us and are able to influence outcomes in it, although are not generally visible to the naked eye. Pilgrims offer letters, candles, incense, milk, sweets, coins, fruit and even meat to the djinns. On Thursdays, when thousands congregate in the dark tunnels under the mosque free food is organised for the faithful who gather in the green park-like grounds of the palace after having paid their respects.