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Due to Delhi's live and colorful
religious and cultural diversity, several events are held in
the city throughout the year. Being the capital of India,
several national events such as Republic Day, Independence Day
and Gandhi Jayanti are celebrated with great zeal and
enthusiasm in Delhi. The Republic Day Parade, held on 26
January, the day India became a republic, is a large cultural
and military parade showcasing India's cultural diversity and
military might. Every year on 15 August, the day India
achieved independence from Britain, the Prime Minister
of India addresses the nation on Delhi Fort.
The popularity of these national events is
rivaled by Hindu religious and cultural festivals like
Durga Puja, Diwali, Holi, Lohri, and Shivratri and Muslim
festivals like Eid and Bakrid. Diwali, also known as
Deepavali, is by far the most popular cultural and religous
festival in Delhi during which millions of Hindus and Sikhs
lit traditional lamps, known as diyas and make rangolis, a
colorful pattern drawn on floor. Fireworks is also an integral
part of Diwali festivities. Buddha Jayanti, a festival
celebarating the birth of Gautama Buddha is also a popular
festival in Delhi.
Several other famous events such as Kite
Flying Festival, International Mango Festival and Basant
Panchami or Spring Festival are held every year in Delhi. The
Qutub Festival is a cultural event organized by Delhi Tourism
Department every year in October during which performances of
musicians and dancers from all over India are showcased at
night, with the 12th-century Qutub Minar as the chosen
backdrop of the event.
Delhi as
multicultural society celebrates all Indian festivals with
great gusto including Diwali, Dussehra, Id or Christmas as
aslo the festivals typical to the different states. Local
festivals include the.
Republic Day
(26th January):
A splendid parade along the city's main avenue, Rajpath,
commemorates the day India became a republic. Marching
soldiers, brass bands, tanks and armoury, the colourful camel
corps folk dancers, shool children, colourful floats and an
Air Force fly-past together make in the most spectacular event
of the year.
Beating the
Retreat (29th January):
A marvellous spectacle of marching bands from the armed
forces, is set against the imposing backdrop of the
Rashtrapati Bhawan, the Secretariats and the setting sun.
Garden
Tourism Festival (February):
Held at the Talkatora Gardens, the festival is an annual
hourticultural extravaganza with a colourful display of
flowers, exotic plants, cultural events etc.
Suraj Kund
Mela (February):
The popular Crafts Fair held at Suraj Kund (15 km) is set
in a rural ambience, with folk dance, music and food from the
different states.
International Mango Festival (July):
The festival is didicated to the favourite Indian fruit,
the Mango.
Phoolwalon
ki Sair (Oct.):
A marvellous flower seller's festival that originated in
the 16th century. Beautiful floral fans, taken in procession
at Mehrauli are blessed at the shrine of the Sufi Saint Kwaja
Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki and at the Hindu Temple of Jogmaya.
Qutab
Festival (November):
It is a cultural event held in the magical setting of the
Qutab Complex |
