Delhi, India — Events
Diwali (Festival of Lights)
India’s most popular traditional festival, with its origins deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, turns the streets of Delhi (and all major cities in India) into a carnival each year. And while Diwali (the ‘Festival of Lights’) is extremely important for Hindus, it is also celebrated by Jains and Sikhs, meaning that the general air of festivity is enjoyed by everyone.
Republic Day Parade
The impressive Republic Day Parade is held every year on the anniversary of the formation of the Indian Republic, and serves to showcase the country’s military might. Marching columns represent the armed forces, accompanied by armoured vehicles, military bands, decorated floats and folk dancers. A highlight is a display presented by the Indian Air Force.
Garden Tourism Festival
Delhi, always a colorful city, blooms with the rich hues of thousands of flowers in February each year when the Garden Tourism Festival gets underway, providing a visual feast for visitors and an extravaganza for the horticulturally inclined. Furthermore, the Delhi tourism office provides a full program of cultural performances and entertainment alongside the flower fest, to ensure that the whole city gets swept up in the festivities.
Festival of Holi
Delhi puts on a colorful face in March for the light-hearted Festival of Holi, celebrating the triumph of good over evil. The exuberant spring festival starts on the night of full moon, when bonfires are lit on street corners to clear the air of evil spirits. The next morning sees the streets full of people of all ages chasing each other and throwing pots of brightly-colored powder pigment over each other in uninhibited mischief. The fun ends at noon, when everyone retires to wash off the paint and finish the day relaxing.
