Red Fort

In a busy, happy city, I stand tall and strong. My walls are the color of a juicy strawberry, and they stretch up to touch the bright blue sky. When the sun shines on me, I glow with a warm, friendly light. I am a castle, a home, and a secret-keeper. I am the Red Fort.

A long, long time ago, a kind and powerful emperor named Shah Jahan wanted to build a beautiful new home for his family. He imagined a giant palace made of special red stone. So, on April 12th, 1639, many busy builders began to work. For years and years, they carefully placed each stone until I was finished in 1648. I was not just a home; I was a whole city tucked inside my strong red walls.

Inside me, there were sparkly halls and pretty gardens where fountains splashed and birds sang. Children played hide-and-seek behind my tall pillars, and happy music floated through the air. I listened to stories and watched parades. For many years, I was the most important place in the land, a home for great leaders.

Today, my gates are open for everyone. Friends from all over the world come to walk through my gardens and imagine the stories I hold. Every year on India's birthday, August 15th, I feel so proud as I listen to songs of freedom. I am old, but my heart is young, and I love sharing my wonderful stories with you.