Dust your running shoes, Raahgiri returns this Sunday

GURGAON: Raahgiri Day — the country's only street festival dedicated to promoting active commuting — is set to return to Gurgaon this Sunday after a gap of two weeks.
Long stretches of roads will once again be made car-free from 6am to 10am to provide an exclusive passage for cyclists and pedestrians, as well as to make room for the usual Raahgiri festivities which have become an integral part of Sunday mornings in the city.
"It will be interesting to see how people respond, after having missed Raahgiri Day for two Sundays," said Sarika Panda of EMBARQ India, one of the organizers of the weekly event.
Panda said that the two main Raahgiri loops - one near the Galleria Market, and the other spanning parts of DLF Phase 5 and the Golf Course Road, measuring 11.5km, will have non-motorized transport on Sunday morning. The turnout is expected to be high.
This weekend will also see two surveys being conducted at the Raahgiri venue. A few weeks ago, a team of volunteers had started looking into two aspects of this festival. One was the business potential that Raahgiri generated for commercial outlets located near the venue, and the other was about the influence Raahgiri had on people.
"We have been asking people about the impact Raahgiri Day has had on their lives. The final report is expected to be ready by this month-end," said Panda.
Ever since its inception in November, Raahgiri Day became a mass phenomenon. Participants arrived every week in thousands, and many have termed their experience as 'memorable'.
This Sunday Raahgiri provides yet another opportunity for you to participate and win rewards.
The Times of India's photography contest seeks to highlight your 'perfect Raahgiri moment'. Whether you are a professional or an amateur, use SLRs or smartphones, all perspectives are welcome in this contest. Grab the opportunity and become a contender for top prizes.
Readers can send in their contest entries by April 14 to toi.raahgiriday@gmail.com, or upload the photographs on the event's Facebook or Twitter pages. Winning photos will also get featured in the Times of India.