Bonjour India offers slice of sky at Delhi's Jantar Mantar

The installation artist who has worked on projects in London and Germany says it was a challenge to show the universe above. "So, it is here that we brought the 'taare zameen par' (stars on earth)," said Nandita.

French artist and "light sculptor" Patrick Rimoux whose team presented a sumptuous feast of light enthralled and mesmerised the crowd with its thematic and well-researched content and bravura display.

"I researched a lot for this in books, libraries, internet and films and collected it from various sources. So, you'll see Latin, French, Hindu, Chinese, Persian, among other

motifs in the visual content. The idea is to represent universality of time and space," said team member Julia Dantonnet, who helped to create the video art.

Visitors seemed to be in awe of the "extraordinary moment".

"The event brings together tradition and modernity. This also gives new life to monuments like the Jantar Mantar which is over 400 years old. And, I must add that if you don't have heritage you don't have a future," said Cesare Bieller, head

of culture, Italian Embassy.

Laurie Hemery, a French citizen, who is visiting Delhi for the first time with her two old friends seemed ecstatic to be part of that rare 'Indo-French' experience.

"It is great to see something this old as the monument alongside with something modern as the lightshow. I have also seen Jaipur and the Jantar Mantar there and this is beautiful...In France, we also try to preserve our history and events like this will help popularise many more monuments.

Also, it is a great way to learn about each other's culture," said Laurie who had come with her friend Notaro.

"I came here with my photographer friend and he shot the projections and its details after careful observations. I could see motifs from Tamil divinity, Egyptian, Persian,

... contd.

ALSO READ

IPL spot-fixing case: Net widens, police watching 3 more players, other bookies

IPL spot-fixing: 'Bookie' Vindoo was close to BCCI chief's son-in-law, say cops

Delhi Lokayukta indicts Sheila Dikshit for misuse of public money to tune of Rs 11 cr

BJP tears into UPA govt on 4th anniversary, says it lacks leadership