Festivals in Delhi

Like any other city Delhi has it own set of festivals which are cherished and loved by both locals and tourists. These festivals bring out the true nature and spirit of Delhi which is peace, prosperity and harmony. Most of these festivals are although part of India's culture and religious history but Delhi also has festivals which are particular to a specific season or month.

The important religious Delhi festivals are as follows:

Dussera: The festival of Dussera marks the start of festive season across India. This ten day festival comes in with Navratris and ends with a bang where the effigy of Ravana (Demon King) is burnt marking the victory of good over evil. This festival is usually celebrated in the month of October. The legend says that on this day Hindu mythology god Rama had slain the Ravana (Demon King). In Delhi, Ramilia is carried out for 10 days where local artists enact the legend story Ramanaya and on the last day the effigy is burnt. Each of these 10 days is a festive treat as people celebrate and worship one of the nine goddesses daily till the tenth day.

Diwali: The festival of Dussera is followed by Diwali also called the festival of lights. Celebrated usually in the month of October or early Novemeber. People across India light up their house with candles and clay made diyas. This festival is important to Hindus, Jains, Sikhs. For Hindus it marks the day of return of the Hindu mythology god king Rama, for Jains this day is considered holy cause Mahavira attained nirvana on this day and for Sikhs, this day is important as on this day Guru Hargobind attained freedom from Mughal prison and hence it is celebrated as a freedom day. This festival is also famous for welcoming the goddess of prosperity Laxmi to the house. People of all ages burn firecrackers and wear new clothes on this day.

Eid-Ul-Fitar: Eid-Ul-Fitar refers to the occasion and auspicious day of breaking the Ramadan, the month long fasting period for Muslims.

Special foods and delicacies are prepared for the day and are distributed among neighbors and friends. This festival is celebrated for either one two or three days. On these days it is forbidden to remain on fast. Elders give blessings and small gifts to the people smaller to them, this gift is generally called eidi. Eid is a big festival across Inida with people from all walks of life coming to open areas and mosques to offer their prayers.

Christmas: Christmas is celebrated across Delhi and India on 25th December every year. This day marks the birth of Jesus Christ and in Delhi all the Churches are decorated with lights. People from all walks of life visit to see the churches. The Santa Claus tradition is also followed where adults dress up like Santa Claus and gift kids and children with gifts. This day is also the day of charity where poor people get gifts and food from better off people. In Delhi churches Christmas decorations are a must see for people from all religions. These decorations are mainly figures of baby Jejus, Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas, Mother Mary and Santa Claus.

Guru Nanak Jayanti: This festival celebrates the birth anniversary of the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak. The birthday is the first full moon day in the hindu calendar month of Kartik. Sikhs across Delhi celebrate this festival by singing prayer and hymns in the morning and providing lunch with sweets to everyone from all walks of life. The Gurudwaras are decorated with lights as well.During the day a procession is also held with the Sikh flag and holy Guru Granth Sahib in the lead. Sikh warriors and volunteers showcase their military strength and skills in this procession as well.

Holi: Holi is the festival of colors like Diwali is the festival of lights. This festival also marks the victory of good over evil where the demon Holika was burnt while trying to burn a Vishnu devotee Hirnayakashyap. Following this legend, a bonfire is burned called Holika and the next day people of all ages play with colors and water to rejoice the fact that Vishnu devotee Hirnayakashyap was saved. On this festival, gujiya, mathri and papri are prepared by families. This festival is also a festival where enmity is forgotten between people and all past issues are resolved. People from all religions play this festival.

The important national festivals held in Delhi are as follows:

Republic Day: This day is celebrated in Delhi and India marking the penning and finalizing of the Indian Constitution. There is a big long parade and procession conducted by all states on the Rajpath. The might of Indian military can also be seen in this procession when the three armed forces showcase themselves in the procession. The parade is always conducted on 26th January and starts from Rajpath and ends at Red fort. In the end the best tableau also called Jhanki is given an award. The day is also marked by giving honorary awards to soldiers and officers who have showed exemplary courage. A foreign dignitary is always present as a guest of the head of state.

Independence Day: The day is celebrated on 15th August where India attained its independence, on this day India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru stood at the top of red fort and gave the first speech to masses. Following the same tradition every Prime Minister of India gives a speech. Masses from all across Delhi and India come to hear the speech. Later across the day people get into a kite flying mode and get into friendly kite flying competitions.

The important seasonal Delhi festivals are as follows:

International Mango Festival: This two day festival is conducted in the month of July. Mango farmers from across the country come to this festival to showcase the various varieties of Mango, to the extent that the total varieties at display touch up to 600. This festival marks the starts of mango season in India. The festival is usually held in Delhi's Talkatora stadium.

Phoolwalon-Ki-Sair: Observed in the Mehrauli area of Delhi, this festival is a festival of florists. In this festival the florists start a procession to offer exotic flowers at the temple of Jog Maya and the tomb of Saint Qutubuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki. Important for both Hindus and Muslims and people are treated with special performances of Ghazals, Quawwali and dance versions of various types.

Lohri: Lohri is a Punjabi agricultural festival which is held in winter every year. The belief is that the day of Lohri is the coldest and longest day of winter and the day after Lohri, day light is meant to increase. This day and festival is also celebrated as a harvest day for rabi crops in India. People light a bonfire and throw small portions of their harvest into the bonfire thanking the god and almighty for the good crop season.