Culture of Delhi is the traditional and present day capital of India. Delhi stands in a triangle formed by the river Yamuna in the east and spurs from the Aravali range in the west and south.
Delhi is not only the largest commercial centre in Northern India, but also the largest centre of small industries. The IT sector, handloom, fashion, textile and electronic industry contribute a lot to Delhi's economy.
Delhi is bounded by four states namely Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab that have a strong influence on the lifestyle of Delhi. Delhi is a cosmopolitan city where people are open to embracing new ideas and life style. People from all parts of the country live here. Alll major festival of Inida are celebrated and the Unity in Diversity is evident in social and cultural gatherings. Be it Holi, Diwali, Id, Guru Purab, Buddha Purnima or Christmas, you will find the same vigor and bliss among people from different communities.
Different Cultures of Delhi :
Independence Day
Independence Day, which is the most important day in the Indian History is celebrated on the 15th of August every year as India got freedom on this day in the year of 1947 after the British rule for over a period of three hundred years. Indian Independence Day is a national holiday in the whole country. Independence Day in Delhi is celebrated in a grand way, as Delhi is the capital of India. Thus Independence Day is the most important Festivals of Delhi.
Independence Day includes flag hoisting and singing of national anthem along with different programs and functions in schools and colleges. Though functions are organized in every state in India, the functions in Delhi have the greatest glory and pomp. In India, Independence Day celebrations include the prestigious parade of the army. Flag hoisting and the parade are the most important events of the day.Independence Day celebration in Delhi starts with the speech of the Prime Minister of the country to the whole nation. The celebrations are observed in the Red Fort. After the flag hoisting ceremony performed by the Prime Minister, the parade by the personnel of the police and army begins, which is followed by the different cultural programs.
Republic Day
Republic Day, which is observed on the 26th of January every year, is one of the important Festivals of Delhi. Though in each and every part of India, Republic Day is celebrated, Delhi being the capital hosts the best of parade and celebration of the Republic Day.
Republic Day is a national holiday all over India. The Indian Republic Day signifies the enactment of the Indian Constitution, which was on the 26th of January in the year of 1950. The Republic Day in Delhi is observed with grand military parade, which is the main attraction of the occasion. The Republic Day parade starts from Rajghat along the Vijayapath with different regiments of the army, air force and navy marching in all their fineries. The horses of the cavalry are beautifully decorated for the occasion. To participate in this parade, the best of the NCC cadets from across the country are chosen.
Phoolkwalon ki Sair
Phoolkwalon-ki-Sair, which is also known as Phool walon-ki-Sair is festival of the florists in Delhi. Phoolkwalon-ki-Sair in Delhi is one of the important Festivals of Delhi.
It is observed in the Mehrauli area of Delhi. The celebration of Phoolkwalon-ki-Sair of Delhi includes a procession to offer flowers at the temple of Jog Maya and the tomb of Saint Qutubuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki.
Phoolwalon-ki-Sair is a yearly festival, which is celebrated in the month of September or early October. The procession of the flower sellers is the most important part of the festival. Phoolwalon-ki-Sair in Delhi starts with a music of Shehnai, an Indian musical instrument. The procession begins right after the music. The procession of the florists starts from the Jog Maya temple and goes through the Mehruli Bazar till the tomb of Saint Qutubuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki. The audiences are delighted with the Gazals, Kathak dances and Quawwali performances.
Qutub Festival
Qutub Festival represents the culture and tradition of Delhi as it is one of the important Festivals of Delhi. Qutub Festival in Delhi continues for a period of three days. It is observed in the premises of the Qutub Minar, built by Qutub-ud-din-Aibak in 12th century. Qutub Minar, which is a significant tourist spot of Delhi is about 230 feet in height and has got brilliant architecture.
Qutub Festival of Delhi, organized in collaboration with Delhi Tourism, is generally held in the month of November-December. This festival signifies the historical importance of the Qutub Minar. The Qutub festival depicts the rich culture of India. It is celebrated with various forms of music and dance, which are important parts of the Indian culture. This festival restores the historical importance of the minar and at the same time preserves the classical Indian art and tradition.
Delhi Jewellery
Delhi jewelery centers round Kundan and Meenakari, which are traditional forms of jewelery art. However in contemporary times both Kundan and Meenakari have become authentic pieces of jeweleries. In the former days Kundan and Meenakari were used to make accessories each unique in design. There are very good markets in Delhi, which offer excellent traditional jeweleries.
Delhi culture is a replica of diverse cultures. Kundan being one of the traditional jeweleries of India, was worn by the royal people. Kundan was used to make jeweleries. It is predominant in Rajasthan and through the ages the art became a popular art of jewelery. Chandni Chowk in Delhi is an ideal place to shop for authentic Kundan jewelery. The shops provide a wide array of jeweleries ranging from Kundan necklaces, Kundan earrings, small yet classy pendants and so on.
Delhi Painting
Delhi paintings owe their origin to the Mughal miniature paintings. During the Mughal rule in India, culture and learning reached its zenith. The Mughals were great lovers of art and architecture. Mughal paintings are an interesting point of study for the Indian historians and archaeologists. The art galleries and museums in Delhi have a wonderful collection of miniature paintings, marble paintings, paper paintings, manuscripts and so on. Besides the handicrafts are also an important part of the Delhi paintings.
Delhi culture gives a taste of the Mughal culture. The Mughal artists are remarkable for their significant contribution to painting. There were various schools during the reign of the last Mughal ruler, Bahadur Shah Zafar. The schools imparted quality training to the people, who took interest in art and sculpture. Each school was distinct from the other and followed their unique style. The Iranian style was also blended along with their styles and the content was either lyrical or narrative. Artists like Imam Bakhsh, Dip Chand and Chitarman made significant contributions in the field of art and enriched the Mughal painting, which earned worldwide fame.
