The winter sun over New Delhi recently played host to a cheerful chorus of barks and meows as the NSIC Grounds in Okhla transformed into a sprawling three-acre paradise for animal lovers. Pet Fed 2025, India’s premier pet festival, returned to the capital last weekend, proving once again why it proudly holds a place in the Limca Book of Records.
From high-fashion ramps to spiritual sessions with tarot readers, the festival emerged as a vibrant celebration of the “pawsome” bond between humans and their furry companions.
A Star-Studded Gathering of Paws and Parents
The festival grounds buzzed with energy, drawing a colourful mix of pet parents, curious animal lovers, and social media influencers. Among the notable attendees was Advocate Charvi Sahani, who was spotted soaking in the sunshine with Scout, her 1.5-year-old German Shepherd. The duo reflected a growing urban trend—pets being embraced as full-fledged family members rather than mere domestic animals.
Influencer culture was equally prominent. Yati Gaur, popularly known as “Butter Madam’s dad-adventurer,” shared heartwarming stories of hiking across India with his dog, Butter. Instagram influencers Rahul and Namita Kohli (@namitaology) were also seen engaging with fans, answering questions from aspiring pet parents alongside their Rottweiler, Bubzee.
For many visitors, the festival was also a moment in the spotlight. East of Kailash resident Sonam Dixit watched proudly as strangers queued up to take photos with her “furry babies,” Chloe and Bella, turning the event into a joyous celebration of shared affection.
More Than Just a Walk in the Park
What truly sets Pet Fed apart is the sheer range of experiences it offers. This year’s edition featured over 100 stalls, showcasing everything from organic pet food and designer accessories to high-tech grooming tools. Yet, the festival extended far beyond retail.
- Creative Corners: Artists at the ArtOLiv stall sketched live caricatures of pets and their owners, capturing the playful essence of their relationships.
- Intuitive Insights: In a unique spiritual twist, tarot card reader Priyanka Maheshwari offered sessions aimed at helping pet parents “check the connect” with their animals.
- Action and Agility: The Agility Ring and Play Zones—complete with ball pools and trampolines—gave dogs ample space to burn off energy. Crowd favourites like the Police Dog Show and the Loudest Bark Contest continued to draw enthusiastic applause.
Safety, Sensitivity, and Inclusivity
Organisers placed strong emphasis on safety and inclusivity. A thoughtful colour-coded tagging system was introduced at the entrance:
- Green: “Pet me”
- Yellow: “Ask first”
- Red: “Distance please”
This initiative ensured harmonious interaction among the 1,000+ pets present, which included not just dogs but also cats, rabbits, and even exotic birds.
Beyond entertainment, the festival carried a deeper social message. Adoption drives were held throughout the event, with experts such as veterinarian Dr Gautam Unny advocating for the adoption of Indian Indie dogs. Visitors were encouraged to look beyond expensive foreign breeds and open their homes to local strays in need of care.
A Celebration of the Modern Pet-Centric Lifestyle
As the sun set on the final day, the NSIC Grounds remained alive with wagging tails, tired paws, and smiling pet parents. Pet Fed 2025 proved to be more than just a festival—it stood as a reflection of an evolving urban lifestyle where pets are no longer accessories, but cherished companions and, increasingly, the heart of the home.
