In pictures: Rainbow murals bring some cheer to New Delhi slum

Raghubir Nagar is home to families living cheek-by-jowl in ramshackle structures often lacking basic amenities

NEW DELHI: A New Delhi slum has been given a colourful makeover thanks to a street artist collective, drawing art lovers and selfie-snappers to a rundown area that they would never normally visit.

A woman leaves her home adorned with a mural painted by artists from 'Delhi Street Art' group at the Raghubir Nagar slum in New Delhi. PHOTO: AFP

PHOTO: AFP

Raghubir Nagar, like other slums in the mega-city of 20 million, is home to those on the margins of Indian society, families living cheek-by-jowl in ramshackle structures often lacking basic amenities.

PHOTO: AFP

PHOTO: AFP

But in less than a month 15 to 20 volunteers refashioned the craggy facades of nearly a hundred structures in rainbow colours with huge murals depicting nature, religion and daily life.

PHOTO: AFP

"The aim was to bring some positive change and confidence in the locals, who were usually forgotten by society," Yogesh Saini, founder of Delhi Art Street said.

PHOTO: AFP

The initiative came about at the request of a local parliamentarian who wanted to beautify and transform the area better known for its dirt and foul smell than art.

A boy climbs up a ladder to enter a home adorned with a mural. PHOTO: AFP

PHOTO: AFP

PHOTO: AFP

"We are feeling good about the change it has brought to our locality. We are seeing a lot of people coming to the settlement to take pictures," Santosh, one local resident said.

PHOTO: AFP

PHOTO: AFP

PHOTO: AFP

"For the first time... we also feel equals in society," he said.