The romance of a musical evening gets diluted within the four walls of an auditorium. For the true pleasure of an alfresco concert, a heritage site works best. That could be the reason for Jahan-e-Khusrau, 2002, an evening concert being organised at Arab ki Sarai, Humayun Tombs, Delhi, for the second year running. It offers an authentic medieval backdrop replete with divans and bolsters. The artistes include Sufi singer Abida Parveen, the Rumi Group from Iran, Group from Tunisia, well-known classical singer Shubha Mudgal and kathak dancer Manjari Chaturvedi, Samandar Khan Manghnihar and troupe. There will also be food stalls to go with music. Entry by tickets only. March 8-10.

OPERA
Love story

The Fakir of Benares, an opera composed by Leo Manuel and performed in France for the first time in 1922, is being resuscitated in Delhi. With 100 Indian and 25 French singers, musicians and dancers, the opera conducted by Frederic Ligier and directed by Muzaffar Ali promises to be a treat. The set has been designed by Nissar Allana. The theme is love in its various elements. At the Siri Fort Auditorium, Delhi, on March 1 and 2.

ART
Odyssey In Easels

Paresh Maity's exhibition "Venetian Odyssey" is a series of deeply meditative watercolours done in soft pastel shades. His travels abroad, specially to Venice, gave him the inspiration for the paintings. The exhibition showcases 35 frames covering the past eight years. At the Queen's Gallery, British Council, Delhi. From February 26 to March 2.

CARNIVAL
Funky Pleasure

The Carnival is a spring festival celebrated with revelry in Goa. It dates back to the 14th century. The festival kicks off with a fair and a palanquin procession in Panaji on February 22. The Mangesh Yatra, where devotees pull the chariot of Lord Shiva in Mangueshi, Ponda, starts on February 27. From March 18, it is the turn of a procession of all the statues of the saints of Franciscan III in Goa-Velha. The Shigmo festival-the Goan counterpart of Holi-is from March 28 to April 2. The festivities never seem to end. For more details log on to www.goatourism.nic.in.