Legacy of Light and Sound Shows in Delhi

Light and Sound

Monuments all over the world have always been important for citizens. Monuments are not simply markers of changing times, and an important piece of history but also a carrier of stories. Monuments are a great place for storytelling because they are living examples of stories told and lived across time periods. There are many ways in which storytelling and monuments align. Light and sound shows are an important way in which monuments can be experienced through the art of storytelling.

 

 

Light Show at Notre Dame Cathedral. Source: NBC

 

Any Delhiite who has some interest in monuments can vouch for the importance of light and sound shows. They’re not simply a matter of visual pleasure but bring to life a monument’s history through stories told using light and sound. This unique audio-visual medium brings out the best of historical spaces and packages history in ways that are easily understandable, entertaining and intriguing.

 

History of Light and Sound Shows

 

Paul Robert-Houdin invented the first sound and light display in 1952 at France’s Château de Chambord. Music and narration played as slide projectors cast coloured lights around the 16th-century palace. The show was an instant hit and was called “Son et lumiére”. Started by Paul, began a global fascination of transforming monuments into audio-visual spectacle using special lighting effects alongside narration and sound effects. Different nations adopted Light and Sound shows. The first British production of a Light and Sound Show took place in Greenwich Palace in 1957. In 1962, United States launched a similar presentation at Independence Hall at Philadelphia. India was the first country in Asia to have a Light and Sound Show, in 1965 at Red Fort. The evolution of such shows since then has only increased the importance of investing in such storytelling techniques.

 

Why are people drawn to Light and Sound Shows?

 

Researchers believe that viewers are drawn to these acts because they offer a sense of awe and splendour. An article by National Georgraphic quotes Miziker who states, “Sound and light shows are like fireworks—it’s impossible to look away.” The fact that the audience is sitting in the dark allows the scope for cognitive dissonance  such that the atmosphere of the show becomes a separate entity. Experts believe that consumers are drawn to these acts because they offer a sense of wonder and spectacle.

The Light and Sound shows open monument spaces for the night, allowing the tricks of darkness to manifest its own kind of tourism. It adds to the night life of a city. The possibility of reimagining a space at night-time through audio-visual stories that parade through historical periods, is undoubtedly a great way to increase tourism and develop awareness regarding the historical heritage a city and its monuments possess.

Light and Sound Shows in Delhi

 

Delhi is a city of many monuments and thereby, many histories. It’s a collector of stories that have been told systematically by historians, archaeologists and tour guides, complimenting the monuments with a well-researched history of their own. What started with red fort, Delhi has developed its own culture of Light and Sound Shows. By experimenting with historical places, historical facts and anecdotes; alongside rich musical research and development of visual technologies, Delhi has many options for anyone who is interested in exploring its Light and Sound Shows.

1. Red Fort: Commemorating the unique history of this majestic monument, The Red Fort hosts a captivating sound and light performance. The program depicts the grandeur of the Mughals, including how Emperor Shah Jahan came to build this palace, his rule, and his eventual demise at the hands of the British, through a dramatic spectacle accentuated by stirring sounds and entrancing lighting. They then shift their focus to the Indian independence struggle, which is fuelled by stimulating and poignant speeches by Chandrasekhar Azad, Mahatma Gandhi, and Jawaharlal Nehru. The event closes with a thunderous national anthem, a moment of pride to cap off a very remarkable encounter. The Light and Sound Show of Red Fort, which has been only recently revised, is a grand spectacle for it doesn’t limit the experience by simply relying on light and sound. It extends its dramatic vision by bringing together Indian dance, music and tradition of puppetry to narrate history through the eyes of “time”, the primary narrating voice.

 

 

Light and Sound Show at Red Fort. Source: Times of India

 

1. Qutub Minar: Qutub Minar at night is a spectacle in itself, with its lighting illuminating its grandeur in terms of its height and architectural magnificence. However, if you happen to tumble upon its light and sound show consider yourself extremely blessed. The Light and Sound show at Qutub Minar is a sight to behold for two reasons. Firstly, as lighting effects disperse themselves across the great length of Qutub Minar, viewers experience the monument in novel ways. Wrapped in different shades, the Minar transforms into a story-teller, bringing to you stories that have yet not been told in any monument of Delhi. Secondly, the 10-minute performance promotes the culture and traditions of 21 villages. The Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar (MGMD) program is part of the wider Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav hosted by the Ministry of Culture. It seeks to map the culture of 6.5 lakh villages, with over 2 lakhs already covered. It is designed with great accuracy; the lighting compliments the architectural details of the monuments.

 

 

Qutub Minar Light and Sound Show. Source: Forbes India

 

1. Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya: Also known as the Teen Murti House, PM Nehru’s residential place, the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya is a museum documenting the life of Nehru and other Prime Ministers. One of its Light and Sound shows documents the stories of women freedom fighters and brings to attention the plight of women’s struggles in the freedom movement, often sidelined in history. Using technology to its advantage, the Light and Sound show spreads awareness regarding important segment of freedom movement and creates a space for its remembrance.

 

Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya Light and Sound Show. Source: PIB

 

Amongst other Light and Sound shows in Delhi, Purana Qila’s Light and Sound has been loved and cherished by many Delhiites. However, it is currently being revised and will open soon with better technology.

 

In conclusion, light and sound shows serve an important part in conserving and bringing history alive. These presentations use innovative technology and narrative to create immersive experiences that bridge the gap between the past and the present. They make historical events, individuals, and cultures more accessible and engaging for a wide range of viewers by translating traditional narratives into dynamic, interactive presentations. This novel technique not only improves intellectual value but also builds a stronger emotional connection with history. As a result, light and sound displays assist to ensure that historical knowledge is not only preserved, but also actively experienced and enjoyed, keeping the lessons and legacies of the past alive and relevant in our present world.

 

References

 

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/sound-and-light-shows-tech-drones-uluru-pyramids#:~:text=How%20did%20sound%20and%20light,on%20the%2016th%2Dcentury%20palace.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/iconic-locations-in-delhi-to-see-light-and-sound-shows/photostory/109760042.cms 

 https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/sound-and-light-shows-tech-drones-uluru-pyramids 

 https://www.delhitourism.com/experiences-city-tours/sound-and-light-show-at-red-fort-in-delhi 

https://medium.com/digital-storytelling-festival/7-digital-storytelling-tips-for-the-cultural-heritage-sector-8e701a439dd6