Republic Day, New Delhi

India is a land of colour and festivity as the air is always filled with merriment and delight. Delhi is a true miniature India where the hues of celebration never fade with the festivals and fair occuring throughout the year.

Republic Day (26th January)

A splendid parade along the city's main avenue, Rajpath, celebrates Republic Day, the day India became a republic country gaining true sovereignty. Marching soldiers, brass bands, tanks and armoury, the multi-hued camel corps, folk dancers, school children, colourful floats and an Air Force fly-past together make it the most extravagant event of the year. The President of India along with invited foreign dignitaries attend the celebration while the President gives away the bravery medals to the people from armed forces and civilians. Each and every part of the country is represented on this occasion celebrating the true harmony of this diverse country, India.

Beating the Retreat (29th January)

Three days after the Republic Day parade, a colorful ceremony 'Beating Retreat' is held at the Vijay Chowk in New Delhi reviving the ancient war custom according to which troops stop fighting at the sunset. The sound of bugles sharp at 6 pm and the lowering of the National Flag marks the formal end to the Republic Day celebration. The imposing backdrop of the Rashtrapati Bhawan while the sun in its way to set creates a awe-inspiring ambience in the heart of the city.

Garden Tourism Festival (February)

The ancient Talkatora Gardens, built by Mughal Emperor Babar celebrates extravagant Garden festival every year in the month of February with a colourful display of hundreds of flowers and exotic plants causing a colour riot to the atmosphere. A visual retreat itself, the Talkatora garden spreads a fresh air in the capital during February.

Another annual Garden Festival, held at Delhi's Said-ul-Ajaib or Garden of the Five Senses in February, presents a plenty of floral displays, themed gardens, horticultural demonstrations and activities.

Suraj Kund Mela (February)

The quiet village Surajkund (15 km) comes alive in the month of February hosting the biggest crafts fair in India. The fairs serves as a platform to promote the rich heritage of arts and crafts of India. The artisans from all parts of the country take part in the fair to display their priceless artistry. It is best place where you can shop for some real good handicraft of India. Set in the rural ambience, the charm of the fair increases with the performance of folk dance and music from the different states. The Surajkund Fair remains open from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm.

Kite Flying Festival (January)

On the day of Makar Sankranti in January, all the children and kite enthusiasts unite on the terraces and open spaces of the city to fly kites. Different shapes, sizes and colour of kites cover the entire sky with multiple hues showing the immense joy and fun of the Kite festival of Delhi.

Qutub Festival (November-December)

During the month of November-December, a three day cultural festival is organized at the Qutub premises to highlight the magnificent heritage of the Qutub Minar. Imposing sight of the minar at the backdrop adds fervour to the cultural evening showcasing the finest cultural art form of India.

Mango Festival (July)

A unique chance for the mango lovers comes in the sweaty summer as Talkatora Stadium celebrates the International Mango Festival in Delhi. You can indulge yourself by tasting hundreds of varieties of mangoes at this delicious festival. You can even buy a mango tree which is suitable for you garden and learn to nurture and nourish it.

Delhi Book Fair (September)

If you are a book-worm, September is the right time for you to visit Delhi as the city comes alive with the extravagant book fair held at Pragati Maidan promoting all the high profile works and new editions published recently in India. From trade magazines and literature books to the computer software, you name it and you will get it here. The impressive collection of classics and rare books make it a must visit destination for the book lovers.

International Trade Fair (14 th November)

Held at Pragati Maidan, International Trade Fair starts on 14th November every year and is a big event for the business community of India. Corporates coming from all over the world participate in this mega fair and finalize their deals. The fair runs for thirteen days and is a major tourist attraction in the city.

After a fair is over, people start to prepare for the next one and the same repeats all through the year, here lies the charm of the vibrancy of Delhi