Delhi

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Delhi Guide

• Overview
• How & when to go?
• What to see?
• Excursions
• Entertainment
• Where to eat?
• Where to shop?
• Events/Festivals

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Events, Fairs & Festivals

Being the capital of India, Delhi is home to every community, hence festivals and state functions of all kinds are regularly organized here. Still, there are some events for which Delhi is unique in India:

• Republic day and Beating the Retreat ceremony
  Every 26th January, India celebrates yet another anniversary of its becoming a republic with a colorful showcase of India's culture and progress on Rajpath. All government buildings are illuminated for the entire week. 
  
  On the evening of January 29, there is a very stirring display of armed forces bands in front of Rashtrapati Bhawan at Vijay Chowk. This ceremony marks the end of the Republic day celebrations.
   
• Martyr's Day
  January 30 is a solemn occasion that marks the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. Prayers are held in the mornings, devotional songs and tributes are paid at Rajghat.
   
• Surajkund Craft Mela
  A unique fair showcasing folk arts and crafts from all regions of India. Staged in February at the historic Surajkund lake.
   
• Phool Walon Ki Sair
  This festival of flower vendors is symbolic of Hindu-Muslim amity. Dating back to the Mughal period, it was revived post-independence by Pandit Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India. 
   
• International Mango Festival
  If you're in Delhi in July, drop by at the Talkatora Stadium for hundreds of varieties of the heavenly fruit. 
   
• Independence day
  Flag hoisting ceremony by the Prime Minister at Red Fort on August 15. 
   
• Dussehra
  The victory of Lord Rama over Demon King Ravana marks the victory of good over evil. Celebrated with great fanfare in September/October, it is the culmination of 10 days long Ramlila (Ramayana ballets). Thronging crowds collect at various spots where effigies of Ravana are burnt.
   
• Trade Fairs
  National and International Trade Fairs and Expositions are a regular feature at the sprawling Pragati Maidan.

Overview • How & when to go? • What to see? • Excursions
Entertainment • Where to eat? • Where to shop? • Events/Festivals