Delhi Culture :: Regional Culture :: Indian Culture

There is nothing as a unique culture of Delhi. This is so because Delhi is the
capital city of India, where people from all over the country have come
and settled. Therefore, the culture of Delhi represents the culture of
all the states of India in parts. In other words, it is a kind of
synthesis and reflection of the culture of India, as a whole. Being the
capital of India, New Delhi has also become the main center of politics,
from where all the decisions are made and policies passed. However, the
city does have a history of its own which has made some impact on its
cultural scenario.

Delhi comes as a merger of the modern lifestyles as well as the old
traditions and values. On one hand, we can see the Old Delhi still
living in the past to some an extent and still upholding the values of
the past. While, on the other we see culture in New Delhi where people
have become slaves of ostentations. There is the sound the Qawwalis of
Nizamuddin Shrine, Gurbanis of Bangla Sahib and Aartis of Chattarpur
Mandir. At the same time, one can hear the loud and blaring music of
pubs and discotheques.

Still another aspect of the culture of Delhi is the numerous fairs and
festivals celebrated in the city. The Chhat Puja of Bihar is celebrated
here with as much festivity as the Durga Puja of Bengal. There is also
no difference in the celebrations of the Muslim festival of Eid-ul-Fitr
and the Punjabi festival of Lohri. It is interesting to note that the
culture of Delhi also shows some influence of the people of Haryana,
Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, since these states border the
capital city. Last but not the least, the various monuments of the city
like the Jama Masjid, Qutub Minar, etc further add to the culture in New
Delhi, India.

It is this diversity that makes Delhi so lively and colorful.
Indo-Persian art is reflected in Jama Masjid while the Birla Temple and
the Chattarpur Temple complex exude amalgamations of North and South
Indian architectural styles. Some of the famous Gurdwaras of Delhi are
Gurdwara Raquab Ganj, Sheesh Ganj and Bangla Sahib while Churches such
as St. Thomas and St. Columbus are popular places of worship for
Christians. Bahai Lotus temple is notable not only for its
representation of the Bahai way of worship in Delhi but also the
splendid architectural designs. Jains and Buddhists also have their own
shrines in the city while the Tibetan monastery near the Interstate bus
terminus is representative of the Tibetan culture in India.

Arts and Crafts of Delhi
The capital of India is not only known for its rich historical
background but also for some exquisite arts and crafts. Infact, the arts
and crafts of Delhi have been patronized since the times of the royals.
As a cultural center of its time, Delhi attracted the best of painters,
musicians and dancers.

Delhi Cuisine
There is no such thing as typical cuisines of Delhi. This is so because
there is no specific identity of the city. With time, people from
different areas of India came and settled, making Delhi an assortment of
sorts. Slowly and gradually, Delhi assumed some of the aspects of the
identity of all the types of people living in it, making multiple
identities for itself.

Delhi People
People of Delhi, India, count amongst the most hospitable ones in India.
You will find them very helpful and cheerful, always smiling and eager
to help. Just like the rest of India, Delhi people also treat their
guests with great honor and respect. Coming from different parts of the
country as well as the world, they are multi linguistic and multi
cultural.

Delhi Religions
There are a large number of religions that are practiced in New Delhi,
the capital of India. Infact, one can say that there is hardly any
religion of India that does not find a presence in the capital city. The
following paragraphs would give you an idea of the religious life in
Delhi.