Dilli Ki Shaan

Tughlaqabad Fort

Tughlaqabad Fort, perched on a rocky hill, constitutes one third of the capital city of India. The fort is located on the Qutab-Badarpur Road and was built by Ghiyas-ud-Din Tughlaq, the founder of the Tughlaq dynasty. The Tuglaqabad Fort seems to be more or less octagonal, with a border of approximately 6.5-km. The ramparts of the fort, now in ruins, are between 10m to 15m high with fortresses and gateways at intervals. The Tughlakhabad at Delhi was built to serve a dual purpose, one of providing a defensive structure to the ruler and the second, to serve as his imposing capital.

Tughlaqabad stands divided into three segments. The eastern segment is entered through from the Qutub-Badarpur road. It is a rectangular area enclosed within high walls and bastions and used to serve as the citadel. On the west side of the Tughlaqabad Fort is a wider area that once contained the palaces and is surrounded by walls and bastions. A huge reservoir stands on the southern side of the Tughlaqabad Fort at Delhi. Bunds were put up between hills to the east to create the reservoir, which is linked with Ghiyas-ud-Din's tomb through a causeway.

There is a wide mound near the south eastern-corner of the Fort Tughlakhabad of Delhi that leads to the fortress of Adilabad. The sluice gates near the mound were used for controlling water for irrigation purposes. There is also a tower, known as the Bijai-Mandal, inside the fort, along with remains of several halls, and also a long underground passageway. To the north of the fort, lies the city of Tughlaqabad, which is now mostly in ruins..

Location: Tughlaqabad is the third city of Delhi, located about 10 kms. east of Qutub complex along the Mahrauli-Badarpur Road.

The Origin:

Tughluqabad Fort was situated on high rocky ground, an ideal location to withstand enemy attacks. The origin of the historic city of Tughlaqabad and the Tughlaqabad Fort goes to the period of the Delhi Sultanate. The Tughlaqs who followed the Khiljis were great builders and the city of Tughlaqabad and Tughlaqabad Fort were their first major architectural achievement. The story behind Ghazi Malik (founder of the Tughlaq dynasty) was once a slave of Mubarak Khilji, the last Khilji sultan. One day, while walking by the area Ghazi Malik suggested to his master that the rocky prominence would be an ideal site for building a fort. The Khilji sultan laughed at his slave and suggested that the slave build a fort there when he became a sultan. When Ghazi Malik, as Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq, founded the Tughlaq Dynasty in 1321, he did just that Tughlaqabad is Delhi's most colossal and awesome fort, even in its ruined state. In fact Ghiyasuddin had selected this site for the fort when he was a mere soldier. The fort of Tughlaqabad was completed rapidly in a short span of four years. Within its sky-touching walls, double-storied bastions, and gigantic towers were housed grand palaces, splendid mosques, and audience halls. Tughlaqabad is a formidable reminder of Delhi's embattled past and the terror. It was a period of political unrest and the Delhi Sultanate had to face a number of attacks from hoards of marauding Mongols, who descended on it in waves from the north. The massive fortifications of Tughlaqabad, with immense circular bastions, were raised by Ghiyas-ud-din to protect his subjects.

Legends Of Tughlaqabad:

There are a number of legends associated with Tughlaqabad. It is often said that the skulls of the killed Mongol marauders were used in the construction material of this awesome fort. Its construction involved a legendary quarrel with the saint Nizam-ud-din. When the Tughluq ruler took the workers whom Nizam-ud-din wanted for work on his shrine the saint cursed the king with the warning that only the Gujjars (shepherds) would inhabit his city. The demise of Tughlaqabad was not brought about by any foreign invasion, but to the curse of a Sufi Saint Nizam-ud-din. The legendary quarrel between the two started when Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq did not allow his people to work for the saint on the construction of a baoli (step well), which angered the saint. A protracted tiff followed, which offended the saint and led to his famous prophecy Hunuz Dilli dur ast (Delhi is yet far away), for the sultan was then out in Bengal. His prophecies proved true. Ghiyas-ud-din was killed at a place near Delhi when a shamiana (canopy) collapsed over him during a reception arranged by his son. The sultan could not reach Delhi alive. His successor chose to build his own fort and deserted Tughlaqabad. It is generally believed that the death of Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq was engineered and plotted by his son. One story describes that Muhammad bin Tughlaq killed his father by building a false wooden balcony, which collapsed and killed Ghiyas-ud-din. The son murdered and ascended the throne of Delhi, thus making the prophecies of Saint Nizam-ud-din come true. The massive block walls glow a beautiful golden colour in the afternoon sun. The remains of underground markets and some royal residences are visible inside the walls.

An Architectural Marvel with Military Style:

The massive Tughlaqabad Fort, is not only symbolic of the might of the Tughlaq dynasty, but it is a piece of architectural marvel. It was a part of the dream project of Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq when he built the capital at Tughlaqabad. However, this powerful edifice did not last long and fell to the curse of a saint. The crumbling ruins of the Tughlaqabad Fort convey a sense of lost grandeur. The massive ramparts, battlements, and the mammoth stonework of this fort speak highly of the engineering skills of the workers who constructed it. The fort served the dual purpose of a defensive structure as well as the imperial capital of Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq. There are a number of monuments within the precincts of this fort.

Kalkaji Mandir

Situated beyond the commercial complex of Nehru Place lies Kalkaji temple dedicated to the Goddess Kalka Devi. Kalkaji mandir is very famous and has numerous devotees thronging it on many religious occasions, throughout the year. Small red flags decorate the temple then, and women outnumber men among the devotees. Folklore is replete with tales of the Kalkaji temple, so much so that one does not know where legend ends and history begins.

This is a very old temple and the oldest part was built up in 1764 A.D. The Kali Temple in Kalkaji boasts of an existence of 3,000 years, although the oldest surviving portion of it dates to 1764-1771 when the Marathas were in power. Looking at the present-day Kalkaji temple one may find it hard to believe that this shrine to Kali is an antique one, where perhaps even the Pandavs and Kauravs had worshiped during the reign of Yudhisthir, whose citadel of Indraprastha had the fabled fairy gates of which bards sang, much like Homer of old, right up to the time of Prithviraj Chauhan.

The temple is situated on a hill and is dedicated to Kali. There is a very distinctive feeling there and the devotees are overwhelmed by light, which stay during the whole night. The power of Ma Kali is ambiguous but powerful. Devotees also try to meditate there and a spectacular tantric aarati is held at about 7 pm. The temple is also quite near to the Bahai Temple, which is just opposite on the other side of a big road.

Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya

 
Address: Nizamuddin
City: New Delhi
State: Delhi
Location: North India
Year of Construction: 1562-63 AD
Constructed By: Muhammad Tuglaq
Type of Construction: Medieval
Type of Building: Mosque
Religion: Islam
Accomodation: Accomodations are easily available in hotels and lodges in Delhi.
Accesibility: New Delhi is connected to the other major Indian cities by air, rail and road.

Nizamuddin Dargah enshrines Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya or Nizam-ud-Din, a revered Sufi saint. During the lifetime of the saint, a settlement developed here, still inhabited and known by the name of Nizamuddin. Hazrat Nizam-ud-Din Auliya Dargah of Delhi also entombs Amir Khusrau, a poet and the saint's favorite disciple. The Dargah was built by Muhammad Tughluq and consists of one of the most revered pilgrimages of the Muslims. Other tombs enshrined in the Delhi Hazrat Nizamuddin Awliya Dargah are those of Jahan Ara Begum, Shah Jahan's daughter and Mirza Ghalib, a distinguished poet.

Surrounded by a number of tombs, this Dargah is constructed on top of a tank. There is a legend attached to the Nizamuddin Dargah. It is believed that there was an argument between the rulers of Tughluqabad and the saint over building this tank. The saint, in anger, cursed the rulers that the city of Tughluqabad will never prosper and so did it happen. After its initial construction, the Dargah underwent a number of renovations and reconstructions. The present mausoleum, constructed by Faridu'n Khan, dates back to the year 1562-63. Qawwali singers perform at Hazrat Nizam-ud-Din Auliya Dargah of Delhi around sunset after the evening prayers.

The square chamber of the Dargah is adorned with verandahs and arched gateways. Domed roof of the building has vertical stripes of black marble and is crowned by a lotus cresting. Even the area surrounding the tomb is considered as sacred. Many Muslims, including the royals, have been buried here. The rush for the Dargah is exceptionally heavy during Id and the Urs fair held twice a year. The Urs fair is organized bi-annually n the death anniversaries of Hazrat Nizam-ud-Din Auliya and Amir Khusrau. There are a number of monuments in the Delhi Hazrat Nizamuddin Awliya Dargah including Jama'at-Khana Masjid, Chini Ka Burj (mosque), tombs of Muhammad Shah and Mirza Jahangir, Kali-or-Kalan Masjid, etc..

Moth Ki Masjid 

 
Address: 2-km From Hauz Khas
City: New Delhi
State: Delhi
Location: South India
Year of Construction: 16th Century
Constructed By: Wazir Mirza Bhoiya
Type of Construction: Medieval
Type of Building: Mosque
Religion: Islam
Accomodation: Accomodations are easily available in hotels and lodges in Delhi.
Accesibility: New Delhi is connected to the other major Indian cities by air, rail and road.


Moth ki Masjid, also known as "the mosque from Lentil" now lies deserted and secluded. This mosque was built during the rule of Sikandar Lodi around 500 years ago and has a legend attached to its origin. It is believed that one day Sikandar Lodi gave a grain of moth (a type of lentil) to his loyal minister Wazir Miya Bhoiya as a reward, just for fun. The minister took those seeds and started planting the seeds year after year. Gradually the seeds multiplied many times and a day came when they could be sold for money, enough for the construction of a mosque. So, the minister went to the King and asked for his permission to build the mosque.

Sikandar Lodi got very impressed with the intelligence of his minister and laid the foundation of the mosque himself. The Moth Masjid of Delhi was built according to the Indo-Islamic style of architecture. Unlike the traditional mosques, it has no minarets, calligraphic decorations and embellishments, etc. Rather, it is a small and simple mosque that marked the resumption of architectural activity during Lodi dynasty rule. Made up of red sandstone, the Delhi Moth ki Masjid boasts of a small semicircular dome and windows with latticework screens. It is believed that this mosque served as the private mosque of Sikandar Lodi's minister..

 

Holiday Plan for New Delhi

Lotus Temple

It is a lotus shaped structure made of marble, cement, dolomite and sand The temple is located in Kalkaji in the south of Delhi. You can visit the Lotus Temple on your tour to New Delhi. The temple is open to all faiths and is an ideal place for meditation and obtaining peace and tranquility. It is a very recent architectural marvel of the Bahai faith. The lotus shape of the temple represents the Manifestation of God, and is also a symbol of purity and tenderness. Its significance is deeply rooted in the minds and hearts of the Indians. In the epic poem Mahabharata, the Creator Brahma is described as having sprung from the lotus that grew out of Lord Vishnu's navel when that deity lay absorbed in meditation, there is a deep and universal reverence for the lotus, which is regarded as a sacred flower associated with worship throughout many centuries. 

Janpath 

On New Delhi tour you can visit the popular shopping area of Janpath at Connaught Place. Here you will find all items from jewellery to paintings and furniture. Nearby Janpath there are many government State Emporia popular which affords a glimpse of the handicrafts of each state. So does the recently- inaugurated new Central Cottage Industries Emporium on Janpath. Janpath is a perfect place for shopping in New Delhi, where you can bargain at reasonable rates. You can buy jewellery and ritual objects from the Tibetans along with some of the rare embroidered dress-materials from Janpath.

Lodhi Gardens 

Lodhi Gardens are situated at a distance of about 3 Kms to the west of Humayun's tomb and adjoining the India International Center are the Lodhi Gardens. You can visit these well-kept gardens on your tour to New Delhi. Here you can also visit the tombs of Sayyid and Lodi rulers. Mohammed Shah's tomb was a prototype for the later Mughal-style tomb of Humayun, a design that would eventually develop into the Taj Mahal. Other tombs include those of his predecessor, Mubarak Shah, Ibrahim Lodi and Sikander Lodi.

Nehru Planetarium

You can visit the Nehru Planetarium on your tour to New Delhi. The Planetarium is situated in the sprawling surroundings of the Teen Murti House, better known as the official residence of India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. The planetarium was inaugurated by the then Prime Minister, Smt.Indira Gandhi, on 6th February, 1984.The Planetarium is a popular place of visit specially for those who take keen interest in the astronomical studies.

Festival in Delhi

Amir Khusrau’s Anniversary

Introduction Amir Khusrau Dehlavi, a popular Persian poet, had a significant role to play in the courts of more than seven rulers of the Delhi Sultanate. Well known for his clever poems, riddles and songs, Amir Khusrau is a reputed figure in northern India. Born in 653, he was a very wise and spiritual person from childhood. His tutor introduced him to the nuances of poetry and books. The tomb of Amir Khusrau Dehlavi is made next to his tutor, Nizamuddin Aulia’s tomb in Delhi. The proximity of the tombs proves the indelible mark that the tutor left in his life.

Description Amir Khusrau’s Anniversary is celebrated with much show and enjoyment. His interests and passion was in music and poetry therefore during his anniversary, quwalis are performed by experts. The day begins by offering prayers and showing devotion and dedication towards him and his talent. At Rabindra Bhawan, the National Drama Festival is organized to pay homage to this legendary poet.

Time to celebrate Amir Khusrau’s Anniversary is celebrated once a year in the month of April. It is a very special day for his followers.

Basant Panchami

Introduction Dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, Basant Panchami is celebrated in honor of the Goddess of Learning and Music. Also known as Saraswati Puja, Basant Panchami is celebrated with immense zeal and enthusiasm in Delhi. Satwa Guna, a popular name for Goddess Saraswati encompasses Knowledge, Wisdom and Fine arts. The goddess is revered for enlightenment and insight. The season of Basant or spring is a time when nature is rejuvenated and revived from the cold and dry winter. This new birth in nature is celebrated by welcoming new knowledge and understanding.
Description In Delhi, on Basant Panchami it is a tradition to wear yellow colored clothes. Both men and women dress in yellow attire and the idol of Goddess Saraswati is dressed in a yellow sari. Most schools and colleges in Delhi celebrate Basant Panchami to honor the goddess of knowledge and education. Students dress in new clothes and gather in schools to worship the deity. In every Hindu household, rituals are performed and offerings like flowers and fruits are made to the deity. Books, instruments of music and other art forms are placed at the foot of the deity for her to bless them. Traditional sweets like Kesari Halwa and Kesari sweet rice is made every house celebrating Basant Panchami in Delhi. Some devotees perform Pitri-Tarpan or the worship of ancestors during Basant Panchami festival. Kamdev, the god of love is also worshipped on this day. Relatives and friends on this auspicious day visit each other and greet with sweetmeats and other gifts.
Time to celebrate Basant Panchami is celebrated on every fifth day of the Hindu month of Magh which is usually between January and February.

Bhakti Festival

Introduction to Bhakti Festival The Bhakti Festival Nehru Park showcases three days of devotional and sufi music performances at the Nehru Park in Delhi. Very popular among the fairs and festivals in Delhi, the Bhakti Festival is a classic example of music transcending boundaries.

Time of Celebration of Bhakti Festival The three-day Bhakti Festival Nehru Park is held in April every year.

Description of Bhakti Festival in Nehru Park The Bhakti Festival showcases three days of devotional and sufi music performances at the Nehru Park in Delhi. Nehru Park is located on Panchsheel Road, in the Chanakpuri district of Delhi, adjacent to Santushi shopping complex. The word ‘Bhakti’ means devotion, which is self explanatory in that it indicates expression of love towards God. The Bhakti Festival is an endeavor to take out some moments from today’s materialistic world and to utilize that time in realizing the presence of the omnipresent Almighty. In the serene environs of the lush green surroundings of Nehru Park, artists from various religions are invited during Bhakti Festival in Delhi to perform in their own ways of expression. The objective of the three-day Bhakti festival in Nehru Park is to create spiritual democracy to complement the prevailing political democracy in India and other counties of South Asia. The festival usually features performances from neighboring counties like Pakistan, Bangladesh and Srilanka as well. With other more glitzy forms of entertainment taking over, the Bhakti Festival in Nehru Park Delhi comes as a joyous respite for real music lovers. While some choose to quietly listen to the devotional music, few others intend on making the evenings special by eating under the stars while taking pleasure of the outstanding music performances.

Christmas Festival

Introduction To Christmas Christmas is celebrated not only in Delhi but across the world. This day holds an eminent position to the Christians. The festival has crossed all the limitations and restrictions and now it is celebrated by people of different caste and creed. This holy day is the main festival that Christians celebrate. The magnificence of the celebration shows the dept and the origin of the occasion in India. British and other European countries are the sole responsible for the spread of Christianity in India.

Description of Christmas The advent of European travelers brought Christianity in India. In the present situation, Christianity has achieved the popularity and became as one of the leading religious sects in India. Christmas day is celebrated for Jesus Christ's birth with various conventional traditions and rituals. The celebration starts from December 24th and continues to December 26th , while the main occasion takes place on December 25th. On the very day, special prayer sessions are arranged for the mass. The prayer starts on the eve and continues for the night. Churches and the chapels are decorated. The main church of Delhi held up the prayer for the mass where thousands of followers of Christ attend the prayer and experience the wonderful occasion. Christmas tree, Santa Clause, exchange of gifts is the symbolic representations of the occasion. Christmas is regarded as one of the important winter festivals of Delhi when the city gets dressed up with lights, colors and Christmas trees and bells.

Time For Celebration of Christmas Christmas is celebrated on 25th of December. This is an important festival of Delhi where not only Christians but people from other communities take part and celebrate the occasion.

The Delhi Flower Show One of the major national festivals, Republic day is celebrated on 26th January and is a day of great importance and significance. It was on this day in the year 1950 that the constitution came into force and India became a sovereign and a Republican state. 26th January is considered a national holiday and is celebrated as the Republic of India ever since. Republic Day Parade is the main attraction of this event. Indian Holiday offers to give you online information on Republic Day Parade in Delhi, India. India’s greatest flower exhibition, Delhi flower show is one of the major events organized in Delhi. The Delhi Flower Show is a colorful display of varied and exotic variety of flowers. Indian Holiday offers to give you online information on The Delhi Flower Show, India. An international horticultural exhibition, The Delhi Flower Show displays a wide array of exotic flowers. The show displays various flower species including hybrids. The Delhi Flower Show takes place in the month of February in the Purana Quila and attracts a lot of Indian and foreign visitors. One of the country's greatest flower show, The Delhi Flower Show includes events like Summer Garden Competition, Foliage Plants Show, Chrysanthemum, Flower, Dahlia and Gladiolus Show, home Growing Competition, winter Garden Competition, annual Flower Show, Cactus Shows etc. Delhi the place where The Delhi Flower Show is held is accessible and is well connected through the air, rail and road network.

Diwali Festival

Introduction to Diwali Festival The Diwali Festival is held with a huge celebration in the capital city of Delhi in India. The Festival of Lights or Diwali is a festival which has the potency of uniting entire India because of the appeal and magnificence encircling the festival. The Diwali Festival in Delhi has been given the traditional name of ‘festival of lights’ because of the hundreds and thousands of diyas or small oil lamps lighted in nearly all the homes.

Description of Diwali Festival During the Festival of Diwali in Delhi, the burning of these diyas is considered to be the illuminated pathway of a person’s expression of happiness. The lighting of the lamps is also believed to a mode of paying a bow to God, the highest power, for achieving health, knowledge, prosperity, financial security and peace in life. The Delhi Diwali Festival or ‘the festival of lights’ is celebrated with much eagerness and passion in almost all the parts of North India. In fact, the Diwali Festival of Delhi is regarded to bring the mystic joy and brightness in a person’s life. This festival brings a hope of finding out life amidst darkness, achieving happiness in place of unawareness. The Diwali Festival also spreads love amidst hatred and violence. The age old tradition of lighting the diyas on the Festival of Diwali in Delhi holds a lot of importance, because in Hindu mythology the light stands for vivacity and integrity. In the present times it is seen that in the cities classy neon lights and candles are often lighted as a substitute of the original diyas. On Diwali, the idea behind the lighting of diyas and candles has come from a number of stories according to the Hindu mythology. The most popular of these stories are is the story spinning around Lord Rama and his family. The Diwali Festival celebrates the return of Lord Rama, who came back to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. Rama came back home after spending 14 years in deportation. The day of Diwali is also regarded as the day of enthronement of Lord Rama.

Time of Celebration of Diwali Festival The Festival of Diwali in Delhi begins with the festival of Dussehra. The Delhi Diwali Festival falls on the months of November-December. The main events of the Diwali Festival are:
* Day 1 – Dhanteras
* Day 2 – Chhoti Diwali, Roop Chaturdashi
* Day 3 – Laxmi Pujan, Bandi Chhor Diwas
* Day 4 – Goverdhan Puja, Annakoot
* Day 5 – Bhai Dooj

Garden Tourism Festival

Introduction to the Garden Tourism Festival In the concrete world of day to day living amidst the chaos and commotion of the city, we all thrive for an opportunity to feel close to nature and enjoy a breather. It is precisely for this reason that the Garden Tourism Festival started in Delhi in the year 2004. Inaugurated by the honorable Chief Minister in Delhi, Mrs. Sheila Dixit, the Garden Tourism Festival started in the Garden of Five Senses at Said-ul-Ajaib in South Delhi.In this festival, organized by the Delhi Tourism Board, there is a brilliant and beautiful showcase of flowers of different varieties which are displayed. Along with a wide array of colorful flowers smearing the garden with its vibrant hues, there are also different kinds of shrubs and plants put on show at the Garden Tourism Festival in Delhi. The spectators walk down the Talkatora, witnessing this vivacious exhibition of colorful flowers, a sight which is surely a treat for the eyes.

Description of the Garden Tourism Festival At the Garden Tourism Festival there is a vibrant show of various kinds of flowers such as roses, dahlias, as well as potted plants, home plants, different varieties of bonsais, about more than a thousand different varieties of chrysanthemum and ikebana. The flower show also has cultural performances that bring more life to the festival. There are also other events at the Garden Tourism Festival,such as painting competition for children, art camps for the young artists of the region and other cultural programs such as 'kavi sammelan', highlighting the festival. The Garden Tourism Festival also focuses on creating and strengthening the amity between different countries. It is a three day festival and follows a particular theme every year.

Time for celebrating Garden Tourism Festival The time for celebrating the Garden Tourism Festival is the month of February every year.

Independence Day

Introduction to Independence Day Festival The Independence Day Festival is the celebration which memorializes the day on which India attained freedom on 15th of August. On 15th August 1947, India achieved freedom from the British rule. Every year, the 15th of August is celebrated as the Independence Day in India. This is a national festival which is celebrated with great passion all over the country.

Description of Independence Day Festival The preparations of the Independence Day Festival in Delhi begin a month in advance. Most of the important roads are decorated with flags and fabrics. All the buildings in Delhi, which are of national importance, are bedecked and illumined. The Independence Day is celebrated with flag hoisting ceremonies and cultural programs in the state capitals. At the beginning of the midnight, as India entered into 15th of August, in the year 1947, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, read out the renowned speech which announced the independence of India. This historic moment ended 3 centuries of British colonial rule in India. India no longer remained the summer retreat of the British Sahibs. The Festival of Independence Day in Delhi is certainly an occasion to celebrate in our freedom and to pay united respect to all those people who gave their lives for the freedom. But there is something more to it. It also marks the coming together of more than 400 princely states into one nation – India. Probably, this was the biggest political success of India. The celebrations related to the Independence Day Festival in Delhi include only merrymaking and festivities, no rituals at all. Schools and colleges mark the day with cultural activities, flag hoisting, drills and distribution of sweets. The day is celebrated by both the private as well as the Government organizations. The Prime Minister of the country addresses the nation after hoisting the national flag at the Red Fort. The Delhi Independence Day Festival is also observed by flying kites by people. Various programs on Independence Day come on the television throughout the day.

Time of Celebration of Independence Day Festival The Independence Day Festival in Delhi is celebrated every year on 15th of August. The celebration starts in the morning and continues throughout the day and into the evening. IndianHoliday offers online booking and other essential information about Independence Day Festival in Delhi, India.

Kite Flying Festival

Introduction to the Kite Flying Festival Delhi has a major role to play in contributing to the national passion and obsession with kite flying that people all over the country share. There is a special kite flying festival that is held in Delhi to commemorate the passion and enthusiasm for kite flying. The venue of the festival is near Palika bazaar at Cannaught Place. One festival, where you cannot miss being a witness to the festive spirit in the air, in the true sense of the term, is the Kite Flying Festival in Delhi. It is a much awaited event that takes place in Delhi, and children and kite flyers all over the country wait for this opportunity to flash their vibrant flying machines and watch the spectacle as they race against the wind high above, surpassing all others.

Description of the Kite Flying Festival People from all over the country come to Delhi to take active participation in the kite flying festival. There are people from countries outside India too taking part in the Kite flying festival of Delhi. This helps to give the kite flying festival a global dimension as well. Colorful kites of different shapes and sizes adorn the skyline of Delhi, offering quite a beautiful sight for the viewers. The open spaces and terraces in Delhi become a meeting point for the crowd of the kite flyers. There are different competitions that are held as well as friendly flights of the kites. The two different major events of the Kite Flying Festival is the Fighter Kite Competition and the somber Display Flying. There are exciting prizes to be won and trophies given out for all these events. Dinner follows these events where the participants enjoy a gala time, heightening the festive spirit in the air. Palika Bazaar in Delhi is the host to international competitions as well.

Time for celebrating Kite Flying Festival The time for celebrating the Kite Flying Festival is on the day of the maker sankranti, in the month of January.

Maha Shivratri

Introduction One of the most popular festivals in the country, Maha Shivratri is the ‘Night of the Lord Shiva’. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva is believed to be the third God of the Trinity. Often considered one of the most revered gods of the Hindu religion, the day is celebrated in honor of Lord Shiva. It is believed that on this auspicious day Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati.

Description Maha Shivratri in Delhi fast includes devotees fasting during the day and keeping a vigil during the night. The festival involves enchanting verses from sacred Hindu texts, offering fruits and flowers to the deity, ringing bells in the temple and offering prayers to the god and most importantly presenting leaves and milk to the Shiv lingam. Devotees visit the Delhi temples to pay homage to Lord Shiva. The Panchakshara Mantra is recited by the devotees as it is believed that those who recite the mantra on this special day will be freed from all sins. The recitation will free one from the cycle of birth and death. Women offer prayers on this day to attain marital bliss and a perfect husband. On this auspicious day, the Shiv lingam is bathed in the panchagavya which is a combination of five different offerings. Other offerings made to Lord Shiva include five kinds of food which symbolize immortality, milk, clarified butter, curd, honey and sugar. Some devotees are believed to offer Dhatura as well as Jati.

Time to celebrate According to the Hindu calendar, the fourteenth day in the Krishna Paksha of the month of Phalguna is celebrated as Maha Shivratri. People all across the country especially Delhi celebrate this day as one of the most auspicious Hindu festivals.

Mango Festival

Introduction to the Mango Festival There cannot be a summer without mangoes and there cannot be a better way to celebrate the mango fever than the Mango Festival. The international mango festival in Delhi is a tribute to the popularity and the passion which almost everyone shares for these delicious fruits. No doubt referred as the 'king of all fruits', the mangoes are a treat to all and the mango festival, one of the most delicious of all Delhi festivals is the perfect time to celebrate this fruit. The Mango Festival takes place at the Talkatora stadium in Delhi as is hosted by the Delhi Tourism Board.

Description of the Mango Festival There is a showcase of almost hundreds of varieties of mangoes at the International mango Festival. There are different varieties of mangoes that come from different states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab Haryana. There are different competitions that are held at the Mango Festival in Delhi between the different mango growers. The visitors here also get the opportunity to taste mangoes for free and savor the delicious experience for the rest of the year. To add some flavor to this mango festival, there are also different cultural programs that are organized during this time. There are the traditional favorite mangoes as well as the new hybrid discoveries of the fruit. There is a wide array of different flavors of this juicy fruit to taste, in different preparations. The mango extravaganza continues for three days and involves not only a delicious feast of this luscious fruit, but also events such as mango folk song performances, mango eating competitions and children's shows. Buyers from all over the globe take part in the mango festival where there is vigorous trading of the fruit too.

Time for celebrating Mango Festival The time for celebrating the Mango Festival is around the month of July, during the time when the mangoes are found at their best.

Phool Walon ki Sair

Introduction to Phool Walon ki Sair The Phool Walon ki Sair is a festival which is celebrated in the capital city of Delhi in India. Phool Walon ki Sair is a festival or a colorful procession of the flower sellers. In this festival, the Hindus and the Muslims participate with equal enthusiasm. The Phool Walon ki Sair festival is celebrated by everybody in Mehrauli in south Delhi.

Description of Phool Walon ki Sair The Festival of Phool Walon ki Sair in Delhi was started in the 19th Century by the Mughal Emperor Akbar Shah II. The festival, however, became popular during the reign of Bahadur Shah Zafar. Shah Zafar was chosen to be the next emperor by the British. But Queen Mumtaz Mahal wanted to make her son Mirza Jehangir to sit on the throne. But later on, Mirza was sent in deported to Allahabad. His mother Mumtaz then took an oath that she would make a contribution of a four-poster flower bed at the sacred shrine of Khwaja Bakhtiyar Kaki at Mehrauli if her son was permitted to return. When Mirza was at last allowed to return, and rightfully given the throne, according to the promise, a beautiful flower canopy was created to which the flower sellers added an intricate flower pankha at their own cost. This was carried in a procession to the saint’s tomb. During the Delhi Phool Walon ki Sair, floral tributes are offered at the dargah of the Saint. On the occasion of the grand festival of Phool Walon ki Sair, huge pankhas made of palm leaves decorated with shiny flecks and flowers are offered. Performances of Kathak dances and Quawalis also take place. Fire dancers lead a large procession across the streets carrying flower pankhas. The cultural program of the Festival of Phool Walon ki Sair is held at the Jahaz Mahal.

Time of Celebration of Phool Walon ki Sair The Phool Walon ki Sair Festival in Delhi is a festival of joviality and merriment. The festival is celebrated every year in the months of September-October.

Republic Day Parade

One of the major national festivals, Republic day is celebrated on 26th January and is a day of great importance and significance. It was on this day in the year 1950 that the constitution came into force and India became a sovereign and a Republican state. 26th January is considered a national holiday and is celebrated as the Republic of India ever since. Republic Day Parade is the main attraction of this event. Indian Holiday offers to give you online information on Republic Day Parade in Delhi, India. Main attraction of the Republic Day celebration is the grand Parade, which is held in New Delhi, the capital of India. The Republic Day Parade starts from Rajghat along the Vijayapath with different regiments of the army, navy and air force marching in all their fineries. The horses of the cavalry are also beautifully decorated to suit the occasion. Besides, the best of NCC cadets from across the country are selected to participate in the Republic Day Parade. Cultural programs presented by schoolchildren is also major attraction of the Republic Day celebration making it more interesting. The Republic Day Parade is followed by the tableau display from different states of the country exhibiting the scenes of activities of people in those states accompanied by music and dance of that state.

Urs at Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia’s Shrine

Introduction to Urs at Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia’s Shrine The shrine of a famous compassionate Muslim Sufi and spiritual saint, Sheikh Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia Chisti, is located in the historic Nizamuddin village, about 2 kilometers from Humayun’s Tomb. The shrine is one of the country’s most valued places and also an important tourist attraction of Delhi. The shrine was built in 1562 by a rich merchant called Farid Khan.

Description of Urs at Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia’s Shrine The tomb or shrine of Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia in Delhi is a much admired site for the Muslim pilgrims. This sacred shrine of the Sufi saint enounced a policy of religious tolerance. Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia forced the Mughal army to move back with his prayers in the year 1303. This incident made him popular over the night. The construction work of his tomb started in 1303and continued for a long time. The tomb was finally completed in 1562. The Urs at Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia’s Shrine in Delhi is a religious fair celebrated on the death anniversary of the holy saint. The tomb of Amir Khusrau, Hazrat Nizamuddin’s famous disciple, lies in front of his master’s tomb. The death anniversaries of both the master and his follower are celebrated with much splendor and flamboyance. This celebration is known as the Urs at Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia’s Shrine. Delhi Urs at Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia’s Shrine is observed with a lot of display and grandeur. On this occasion, best of the Quawalis are performed. Another special feature of the Urs at Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia’s Shrine in Delhi is that special quality sweet meat and kebabs are offered.

Time of Celebration of Urs at Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia’s Shrine The Festival: Urs at Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia’s Shrine in Delhi is celebrated every year in the month of April. The festival is held in memory of the famous Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia.

Baisakhi Festival

Introduction One of the most important festivals among the Sikhs, Baisakhi is celebrated with immense enthusiasm and devotion in all parts of the country. The Baisakhi Festival marks the birth of the Khalsa Panth and the beginning of a new way of life. Baisakhi in Delhi is a popular festival during which devotees young and old celebrate this auspicious day making it one of the most enjoyable occasions in the region. Often called the Harvest Festival, Baisakhi is an important day for farmers as on this day they can enjoy the fruit of the seeds they had sown long time ago. Their efforts and hard work has ended and it is time for them to relax and enjoy. Feasting and merry making are important aspects of the Baisakhi celebrations.

Description Devotees on the day of the festival visit the Gurudwaras, the place of worship for Sikhs. As Baisakhi coincided with Bengali New Year, Hindus on this auspicious day visit temples. The day begins with offering fruits and flowers to the deities. Sikhs gather together and form processions to the Gurudwaras. The day is very significant for the Sikhs because it is this day in the ear 1699 that the Khalsa or the Sikh nation was formed. The Sikhs were given a code of conduct to live their lives accordingly. Special prayers are organized on the day of the Baisakhi Festival. After the completion of the rituals at the Gurudwara, the devotees receive specially made Kara Prasad and sweetened semolina. Community lunch is an integral part of the celebration.

Time to celebrate According to the Sikh calendar, Nanakshahi, Baisakhi is celebrated on the first day of the Baisakh month which is usually between March and April.

Buddha Jayanti

Introduction The most holy day for the Buddhists, Buddha Jayanti is celebrated in honor of the Light of Asia, called by Edwin Arnold, well known as Buddha. Previously named Siddhartha, Buddha was the son of the king of Kapilavastu. His journey from a prince to a spiritual and moral leader has been very tiring as well as enriching. Buddha’s philosophical thoughts and understandings of the ways of life help his devotees acknowledge human suffering and make oneself a better person. His Eight Fold Path of Salvation which involves the correct type of intention, action, speech, effort, livelihood, concentration and mind improves human life and makes it worth living.

Description This special day is celebrated as the birth day, the day of attaining salvation and the death day of Buddha. On this auspicious day, devotees offer prayers to Buddha. Buddhists monks lead a procession accompanied by sacred chanting. In Delhi, the triple folded festival is a day for greeting and celebrating. A special program is organized in the Tibet House in Delhi which is jointly arranged by the Union Ministry of Culture and Indian Habitat Centre. Dance performances and rituals are organized on this occasion.

Time to celebrate Buddha Jayanti in Delhi is celebrated on the full moon in the month of Vaisakhi which is usually between April and May. Buddhists all across the globe consider this day as an extremely auspicious day as Buddha was born on this day as well as attained salvation and died on this particular day. The coincidence is unique and considered a mystery.

Delhi Book Fair

Introduction to the Delhi Book Fair India is the place for book lovers and no doubt book fairs are one of the most awaited of all fairs here. Though the book fair takes place in a number of states in different scales, the Delhi Book fair has been the forerunner. The oldest book fair of India, the Delhi Book Fair started way back in the year 1972. It is an biannual organized by the National Book Trust or the NBT. The fair is also the best way to discover and explore all new publications and browse through the hundreds of different stalls to choose that perfect book.

Description of the Delhi Book Fair The Delhi Book fair is the largest fair in the country, in terms of size as well as on the economic side. It has a great contribution in supporting the growth of the neighboring markets. There are over 12000 publishers and 90, 000 titles every year in more than about 18 languages. This book fair in Delhi is visited by national and international publishers, distributors, librarians, researchers as well as people like academicians, teachers and students, writers and book lovers. Thousands of books are sold in the 9 days of the fair and there are foreign delegates and teams who come to participate in the fair. The Delhi book fair takes place at the sprawling Pragati Maidan. There are both new titles as well as the old favorites sold here. The Delhi Book fair also aims to diver the attention of the younger generation to focus more on reading books than reading from the internet. There are more than 200 leading publishers and booksellers who participate in the Delhi Book fair from near and far. There is also a good amount of foreign participation with publishers and distributors who come from places like US, China, Iran, Pakistan and Mauritius.

Time for celebrating Delhi Book Fair The Delhi Book Fair in Delhi is held in the early days of February.

Delhi Rose Show

A cultural center, Delhi is home to number of fairs and festivals. Starting from festivals like Lohri, Makar Sankranti and Republic Day festivals are celebrated all the year round in Delhi. Delhi Rose Show is one such event, which is held in the month of January near the Safdurjung Tomb. Indian Holiday offers to give you online information on Delhi Rose Show in Delhi, India. Delhi Rose Show is held every year in the month of January near the Safdurjung Tomb. You will see different and unique varieties of beautiful roses in the Delhi Rose Show. For all the rose lovers, participating in Delhi Rose Show is an event you will cherish forever. Delhi is easily accessible and is well connected to all parts of the country through the air. Rail and road network. So if you are planning a trip to Delhi during this time of the year, then do not miss on the opportunity of being a part of this beautiful show. You will surely carry home the memories you would like to cherish forever.

Dussehra Festival

Introduction to Dussehra Festival The Dussehra Festival is the first big festival of the season and is held with huge celebrations in the capital city of Delhi in India. The Dussehra Festival generates the feeling of good times among the people. During this festive season, an ethereal scintillating excitement begins to charge the Indian air.

Description of Dussehra Festival The Festival of Dussehra in Delhi is an immensely popular festival. An interesting collection of mythic legends and regional tales are embroidered around Dussehra. On this sacred day of Dussehra, Lord Rama, the hero and the God king of the great Hindu epic, Ramayana, killed the sinful Ravana, the ten-headed demon king of Lanka. The demon king, Ravana, kidnapped Lord Rama’s wife, Sita. Lord Rama prayed to Devi Durga, the Goddess of War, constantly for the first 9 days of the battle and killed the demon king on the 10th day. According to another legend, which is associated to the Delhi Dussehra Festival, is that of Goddess Durga killing the buffalo demon, Mahishasura. The ancient and popular mythoi say that the gods were forced to grant unconquerable powers to Mahishasura for his unequaled meditation. But, the buffalo-demon, Mahishasura misutilised his extraordinary powers to a great extent. Then the enraged gods created Devi Durga, who is believed to be more powerful than the powers of all the gods put together. The Delhi Dussehra Festival is celebrated with the story of the battle between Lord Rama and the Demon King Ravana being enacted by people. After the show of Ram Lila, the image of Ravana is burnt. This is a very important part of the celebration of the Dussehra Festival. In the state of West Bengal, the Dussehra Festival is known as the Durga Puja, which is the single most important festival of the Bengalis.

Time of Celebration of Dussehra Festival The Festival of Dussehra in Delhi is celebrated during the month of September. Dussehra falls on the 10th day of the fulling moon during the Hindu month of Ashvin, which is around the months of September and October.

Guru Purab

Introduction To Guru Purab India is a land of variety and diversity. Its various religions and cultures form the rich tapestry of this land. Followers of Sikhism can be found in India. Guru Purab in Delhi is an important festival of the Sikhs. The festival is celebrated to honor the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the first of ten Sikh Gurus. Guru Purab is also known as 'Guru Nanak Jayanti'. Apart from Guru Nanak Jayanti, Sikhs celebrate other Guru Purabs. These days celebrate either the birth or martyrdom of the other Sikh gurus like Guru Gobind Singh, Guru Tegh Bahadur, Guru Ram Das, Guru Angad Dev and Guru Har Kishan.

Description of Guru Purab Guru Nanak was the leader of Sikhs who enlightened people with his teachings and preaching. The festival celebrating his birth is Guru Purab, which is also known as 'Prakash Utsav'. The celebration starts from three weeks before the main event. Processions, locally called 'Nagar Kirtans' , are taken out through the city streets. The holy book, 'Guru Granth Sahib' is recited in the gurudwaras; this recitation is called Akhand path. The recitation continues for three days and ends on the final day of the event. On the main day of the event, the holy book is decorated with flowers for the final celebration. Special lunches, called 'langar', are served to the devotees as well as to all passers-by. Everyone, irrespective of caste, culture is invited to partake of this special food. This act reinforces Guru Nanak's secular teachings. The gurudwaras in Delhi are decorated with lights, which are the symbolic representation of 'enlightenment'.

Time For Celebration of Guru Purab Guru Purab is celebrated every year in the month of Kartik according to the local calendar, which falls in the month of October/November. The festival is celebrated on the birthday of Guru Nanak.

International Trade Fair

Introduction to the International Trade Fair There are a number of fairs that are held in Delhi throughout the year especially during the winter, which is the time for fairs. One such popular fair is the International trade fair. In spite of undoubtedly being one of the major events in the business circuit, the International Trade fair is also a major tourist attraction, attended by enthusiastic audiences from all different spheres. This fair is organized by the Department of Scientific and Industrial research (DSIR) and the India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO) and has been held every year since 1997 in Delhi. The main visitors to this International Trade fair in Delhi are the different corporate houses, businessmen and entrepreneurs.

Description of the International Trade Fair The International Trade Fair takes place in Pragati Maidan and is a 13 days long fair. Pragati Maidan is also the largest Trade Fair complexes in Asia. Attended by the Business community all over the country, there are also corporate houses who make it a point to visit this acclaimed fair every year. The International Trade fair is the ideal and a perfect platform to make and finalize business deals. There are exhibitions of R& D and technological innovations as well as different high tech products and equipments. The International Trade fair also helps promote the various projects for technological development as well as other turnkey projects and joint ventures. There are constructive and interactive sessions that are held between foreign business delegations and concurrent seminars.

Time for celebrating International Trade Fair The International Trade Fair starts from the 14th of the month of November every year.

Lohri Festival

Introduction to Lohri Festival The Lohri Festival is held in the capital city of Delhi in India. The Lohri Festival is a festival which has its link with the solar year. Usually it is an established fact that this festival is celebrated in order to worship fire. The Festival of Lohri in Delhi is mainly a happy occasion for the couples who celebrate Lohri for the first time after their marriage. The Lohri is also observed when a son is born in the family for the first time.

Description of Lohri Festival During the Lohri Festival in Delhi, children visit homes in the neighborhood and sing songs. The day on which Lohri is observed, begins with children gathering money from houses in the neighborhood. In the evening, various winter time spicy and good food items are served around a huge bonfire. The Lohri Festival is celebrated quite actively in Haryana, Punjab, and some parts of Himachal Pradesh. The Festival of Lohri in Delhi also means the beginning of the end of the winter months. All the children in the locality go from door to door singing songs. These songs are sung in praise of Dulha Bhatti, who is a Punjabi adaptation of Robin Hood, who robbed the rich and helped the poor and needy people. These children visitors are given either money or bhuga, til, gachak, gur, moongphali and rewri. During the Delhi Lohri Festival a large bonfire is lit and everybody gathers around it. The food stuff collected from different houses are taken around the fire and then thrown into it.

Time of Celebration of Lohri Festival According to geography, the Earth leans towards the Sun along the Tropic of Capricorn, or the Makara Rekha from the days which follows the Lohri Festival of Delhi. This is known as the Winter Solstice. The Earth is, at this point of time, farthest from the Sun, and starts its journey towards the Sun along its elliptical orbit. This announces the onset of spring season. This is the most awaited transition time which is celebrated as Lohri in northern India, Makara Sankranti in the central part of the country and as Pongal Sankranti in southern India.

Mahavir Jayanti

Introduction to the Mahavir Jayanti in Delhi India prides itself on being a secular land. Delhi being the capital of the state reflects the secular spirit of the country and celebrates all the festivals associated with various religions in the right spirit. Mahavir Jayanti is the most important festival of the Jain community and it is celebrated with a lot of traditional fervor in Delhi. As Old Delhi has a sizeable Jain population, the celebrations in this part of the city are marked with greater zeal and ardor.

History of the Mahavir Jayanti in Delhi Mahavir Jayanti marks the birth of Mahavira, the last Tirthankara in the galaxy of the twenty four Tirthankaras of the Jains.

Description of the Mahavir Jayanti in Delhi The Jain Temples in Delhi are decorated with colored flags on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti. The followers of Jainism take a bath early in the morning and then visit the temples to offer their prayers. Praying and worshipping is of foremost importance to the Jains rather than any show of opulence and magnificence. A ceremonial bath is given to the idol of Mahavira. The idol is then kept in a cradle and taken around in a procession throughout the city. All the Jains participate in this procession. Prominent features of the processions are the skits that are put up by small children portraying the various phases of the life of Mahavira. After returning to the temples, they offer milk, fruit, rice and water to the Tirthankara. Lamps are illuminated and incense sticks are burnt. This lends a spiritual touch to the atmosphere. Dharma Sabhas are also held on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti in Delhi. The religious discourses serve to enlighten the people so that they follow the right path of virtue. After meditating for some time, they eat the Prasad. Many cultural programmes are also organized when this festival is celebrated.

Time for celebrating the Mahavir Jayanti in Delhi Mahavira was born on the 13thday of the rising moon in the month of Chaitra. This day corresponds to late March or early April in the Gregorian calendar. It is on this day that Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated in Delhi.

New Year's Eve

Introduction To New Year's Eve New Year's in Delhi is party time for its residents. Be it because Delhi is the capital of India or the fact that it is meeting point of cross cultural influences, Delhi has a very cosmopolitan feel. A number of people from varying backgrounds call Delhi home. For people from Haryana, in the west; UP, in the south; and Punjab, in the north; Delhi is the obvious destination for an upwardly mobile life. Delhi's social fabric comprises of many communities. But, no matter which community a Delhiite belongs to, he celebrates New Year's Eve with fun and gaiety.

Description of New Year's Eve Due to different culture, religion and language, Delhi experiences a rich heritage where traditions meet and mixes to each other to form a wonderful heritage. New Year's Eve in Delhi is mainly celebrated on 31st night when the city lights up with decorative items and various colorful lights. People welcome the coming year with warmth and hospitality, the parties and the social gatherings show the involvement of people that takes place in the capital of India. Fireworks and the countdowns for the new year create a special effect on the locals. Te overnight parties and celebrations have become a part of New Year's eve fiesta. The celebration takes place in every pubs, night clubs and discos where the new year eve is the celebrated mainly with party music and dance carnivals. The dance and party are the best way to celebrate the last night of the passing year. The carnival and the private parties are also organized that make the eve more enjoyable.

Time For Celebration of New Year's Eve Different cultures of India represent individualism; well-known for its festivals and celebration that nit only blends different traditions of the country but it unites west and the east. The new year eve according to English calendar is celebrated on 31st of December.

Qutub Festival

Introduction to the Qutub Festival A heritage monument of India, the Qutub Minar in Delhi stands as a luminous testimony to the ravages and splendors of the golden days of History. Founded by the Afghan invader, Qutub-ud din Aibek, to mark his victory in North India, the Qutub Minar stands tall in the southern parts of Delhi and regarded as the tallest free standing stone towers in the world. Due to the decay in its ancient construction, as well as a few unfortunate incidents such as accidents and suicides from the monument, Qutub Minar has been closed down. The Archeological Survey of India has been dedicating a lot of efforts in resurrecting this monument to its former glory. As a part of the revival process, there is a three day festival called the Qutub Festival that is held in Delhi.

Description of the Qutub Festival The Qutub Festival, held in the premises of the historical structure, Qutub Minar is a festival to celebrate the splendor and magnificence of the Minar and showcase its past glory and majesty to the world. There are different cultural shows and art forms that are displayed during the festival. One of the main focuses of the Qutub Festival is the attention it gets, both national and international. There are a number of cultural events and shows that are held against the historical backdrop of the Qutub Minar. There are also performances by the folk musicians and the classical musicians as a part of the celebrations. The three days of non stop music and dance brings back life in this ancient structure which is illuminated and offers a bedazzling and royal view. The Qutub Festival is organized jointly by the Delhi Tourism and Transport Development Corporation and the Sahitya Kala Parishad. There are also a number of regional food stalls that are set up at the premises serving mouthwatering local cuisine of Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and the north eastern states.

Time for celebrating Qutub Festival The Qutub Festival in Delhi is celebrated in the months of November or December.

History of Delhi

Delhi, where a empire rose and fell before the dawn of history; where citadels of emperors appeared and disappeared; a city of mysterious eternity whose old ruins proclaim a majestic and imperial past and whose present pulsates vibrantly with the ever flowing life of India. The eternal Jamuna bears witness to the glorious and tumultuous 5,000 year old history of Delhi. A history which begins with the creation of Indraprastha by the Pandavas and the transformation of this barren gift of the Kauravas into an idyllic haven.

A history which encompasses all the various kings and emperors who fixed their royal citadels here-- Indraprastha, Lal Kot, Quila Rai Pithora, Siri, Jahanpanah, Tughlakabad, Ferozabad, Dinpanah, Delhi Sher Shahi or then Shahjahanabad. but, combined and integrated into one, these 'new cities' have always been called Delhi and howsoever many names it may have acquired, Delhi has always been intrinsically identified with power and imperial sway. There have been at least eight cities around modern Delhi, and the old saying that whoever founds a new city at Delhi will lose it has come true every time -- most recently for the British who founded New Delhi in 1911.

Jama MasjidThe historic Purana Qila, which has stood witness to Delhi's rejuvenation, periods of anarchy, and the rise & fall of empires, brings alive history of the capital. Amidst the tranquility of the splendidly panoramic environs of Purana Qila, Delhi's historic and legendary past come to life. After Shah Jahan built Red Fort the attention of administration shifted to gorgeous palaces of the fort. Today the fort is open for the public but only limited area can be accessed. More than half of the fort area has been taken over by the Army. But even what is open to visit reminds one of the splendour and lavish life style which our rulers lived. Delhi has seen the death of many empires and resisted bloody attempts to eliminate her. Nadir Shah had ordered his soldiers to plunder and massacre Delhi. It is said that he got so much wealth from Delhi that he was not able to carry in home. Abdali and Taimur Lane were no different they had tried their best to demolish the city of Delhi but it was some kind of a boon which helped it to regain its lost glory each time Delhi was plundered.

Old FortDelhi was the focal point for the first war of independence in 1857. Though the revolt did not reach its desired conclusion, Delhi became a thorn in the eyes of the British. Not only in ancient times or the mediaeval period, Delhi has been the center of any activity at all times. As the Britishers shifted their capital from Calcutta to Delhi, all the activities during the freedom struggle were directed towards Delhi. Thus, Delhi also bears the marks of the freedom struggle. The ultimate goal of the Azad Hind Fauz during the freedom struggle was to capture Delhi and established Swaraj. The slogan 'Dilli Chalo' is still used by leaders and political parties when they oraganise any rally or demonstration. It was the hosting of the tricolour at Red Fort in Delhi which marked a chapter in the history of India.

Early History

According to Indian folklore, Delhi was the site of the magnificent and opulent Indraprastha, capital of the Pandavas in the Indian epic Mahabharata, founded around 2500 BC. Hindu texts state that the city of Delhi used to be referred to in Sanskrit as Hastinapur, which means "elephant-city". A village called Indraprast existed in Delhi until the beginning of the 19th century. The British demolished the ancient village to make way for the construction of New Delhi in the late 19th century. Archaeological evidence suggests that Indraprastha once stood where the Old Fort is today. Excavations have unearthed shards of the grey painted ware (c. 1000 BC) that some archaeologists associate with the age of the Mahabharata, but no coherent settlement traces have been found.

The name Delhi may be derived from the word 'Dhillika', though there are other theories. Raja Dhilu (King Dihlu) founded ancient Delhi in 800 BC[1] It was the name of the first medieval township of Delhi, located on the southwestern border of the present Delhi, in Mehrauli. This was the first in the series of seven medieval cities. It is also known as Yoginipura, that is, the fortress of the yoginis (female divinities). It gained importance during the time of Ananga Pala Tomar. In the 12th century, the city was included in the dominions of Prithviraj Chauhan.

8th century to 16th century

The Tomar Rajput dynasty founded Lal Kot in 736 near the Qutub Minar. The Prithviraj Raso names the Rajput Anangpal as the founder of Lal Kot. The Chauhan Rajput kings of Ajmer conquered Lal Kot in 1180 and renamed it Qila Rai Pithora. The Chauhan king Prithviraj III was defeated in 1192 by the Afghan Muhammad Ghori. Anangpal Tomar, a Chandravanshi Rajput ruler of Delhi , often described as the founder of Delhi, built the citadel some 10 kilometres from Suraj Kund around 731.

From 1206, Delhi became the capital of the Delhi Sultanate under the Slave Dynasty. The first Sultan of Delhi, Qutb-ud-din Aybak was a former slave who rose through the ranks to become a general, a governor and then Sultan of Delhi. Qutb-ud-din started the construction the Qutub Minar, a recognisable symbol of Delhi, to commemorate his victory but died before its completion. In the Qutb complex he also constructed the Quwwat-al-Islam (might of Islam), which is the earliest extant mosque in India. He was said to have pillaged exquisitely carved pillars from 27 temples for this mosque, many of which can still be seen. After the end of the Slave dynasty, a succession of Turkic and Central Asian dynasties, the Khilji dynasty, the Tughluq dynasty, the Sayyid dynasty and the Lodhi dynasty held power in the late medieval period and built a sequence of forts and townships in Delhi.[2]

In 1398, Timur Lenk invaded India on the pretext that the Muslim sultans of Delhi were too tolerant of their Hindu subjects. Timur entered Delhi and the city was sacked, destroyed, and left in ruins.[3] In 1526, following the First Battle of Panipat, Zahiruddin Babur, the former ruler of Fergana, defeated the last Lodhi sultan and founded the Mughal dynasty which ruled from Delhi, Agra and Lahore.

17th century to 19th century

In the mid-sixteenth century there was an interruption in the Mughal rule of India as Sher Shah Suri defeated Babur's son Humayun and forced him to flee to Afghanistan and Persia. Sher Shah Suri built the sixth city of Delhi, as well as the old fort known as Purana Qila and the Grand Trunk Road. After Sher Shah Suri’s early death, Humayun recovered the throne with Persian help. The third and greatest Mughal emperor, Akbar, moved the capital to Agra resulting in a decline in the fortunes of Delhi. In the mid-seventeenth century, the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (1628-1658) built the city that sometimes bears his name (Shahjahanabad), the seventh city of Delhi that is more commonly known as the old city or old Delhi. This city contains a number of significant architectural features, including the Red Fort (Lal Qila) and the Jama Masjid. The old city served as the capital of the later Mughal Empire from 1638 onwards, when Shah Jahan transferred the capital back from Agra. Aurangzeb (1658-1707) crowned himself as emperor in Delhi in 1658 at the Shalimar garden ('Aizzabad-Bagh) with a second coronation in 1659. Nader Shah defeated the Mughal army at the huge Battle of Karnal in February, 1739. After this victory, Nader captured and sacked Delhi.[4] In 1761, Delhi was raided by Ahmed Shah Abdali after the Third battle of Panipat. At the Battle of Delhi on 11 September 1803, General Lake's British forces defeated the Marathas.

Delhi passed to British control in 1857 after the First War of Indian Independence; the last Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar II was exiled to Rangoon and the remaining Mughal territories were annexed as a part of British India.

Delhi