The Most Well-Known Events in Delhi

India is the land of festival, and Delhi – the capital of India – is the city that likes to celebrate. You can enjoy yourself to the fullest at the events in Delhi and still want some more. With people of different religions, cultures, and heritages – you can find multiple celebrations packed on within a month.

Here are some of the popular festivals you can check up while in the city.

1. January

Festivals celebrated: Kite Festival, Republic Day (26th January), Vasant Panchami

The year starts with the fascinating Kite Festival, followed by Republic Day and Vasant Panchami. While the Kite Festival or Makar Sankranti is the Hindu festival celebrating the passage of sun into Capricorn. On the day, the sky is covered with flying kites and kite wars.

The Republic Day, celebrated on 26th of the month, celebrates the foundation of Indian Constitution. On the day, a military parade on the iconic Rajpath as well as flag hosting ceremonies are organized. Among the other events in Delhi, Vasanth Panchami or Saraswati Puja is an important festival among students. Dressed up in yellow, children worship the goddess of learning for knowledge. The dates of the festival depend on the lunar calendar.

2. February

Festivals celebrated: Tibetan New Year, Shivaratri, Delhi Literary Festival

With the winters receding, Delhi takes on a new look and makes everything spring-like. During this time of the year, Tibetan New Year or Losar is celebrated in the Tibetan quarters of Delhi – especially in the area adjacent to Majnu-ka-Tilla. Next comes, Shivaratri celebrated in the honor of Hindu deity Shiva. The next is the annual three-day, the Delhi Lit Fests and celebrates books and music recitals. The festival falls mostly at the end of February.

3. March

Festivals celebrated: Holi Festival

The spring is one of those months when the weathers is at its best in India. And, Holi is one of the events in Delhi you should not miss for anything. A Hindu festival of colors, people through gulal or colored powder and drink lots of thandai (chilled milk-based drink with huge helping of nuts and spices). On the night before Holi, bonfire is lit to destroy the evil within us. Remember to savor in the tasty gujiyas – deep fried deserts – that tastes like heaven.

4. April

Festivals celebrated: Rama's Birthday, Mahavir's Birthday, Easter, Ramadan

Well, when talking about events in Delhi, April is the month where many religions celebrate some of their important festivals. The month begins with the Rama Navami or birthday of Lord Rama, where Hindus celebrate with fasting, religious ceremonies, and enactments from scenes of Ramayana.

Mahavir's Birthday or Mahavir Jayanti celebrates the birth of Jain spiritual leader. On the occasion of festival, temples are decorated and special religious services are hosted.

Easter is the end of fasting for Christians and embracing the rebirth of the Lord. Many churches host religious services and special masses.

Ramadan, the holy month in the Islamic calendar, marks the beginning of a thirty days long fast from dawn to dusk. The fasting culminates with Eid al-Fitr – the most important festival for the Muslims.

5. May

Festivals celebrated: Buddha's Birthday, Eid al-Fitr

Buddha Purnima, an important festival for the Buddhists, is celebrates Buddha birthday. On the occasion, the devotes visit temples and observe fast. On the other hand, Eid al-Fitr is an important festival for Muslims, which marks the end of fasting. People wear new clothes, exchange gifts, and host lavish feast for the guests.

6. June and July

Festival celebrated: Eid al-Adha

While June’s does offer much interesting events in Delhi, July is the month of Eid al-Adha or Bakrid. Another important festival for the Muslims, the festival celebrates Ibrahim’s love for god. The holiday begins with sacrificing animals and sharing food with the community.

7. August and September

Festival celebrated: Independence Day, Ganesh Chaturthi, Muharram

Independence Day celebrates India’s freedom from the colonial rule. Celebrated on 15th of August, the celebration begins with the Prime Minister of India hosting the national flag from the Red Fort. Ganesh Chaturthi is an important ten-day Hindu festival, celebrated in the honor of Ganesha. Special sweets are offered to the lord and special pujas are held by the devotes.

8. October

Festival celebrated: Dussehra, Qutab Festival, Navratri, Gandhi Jayanti

The 2nd of October, a national holiday for India, marks the birth of Mahatma Gandhi – the Father of the Nation. Special commemorative events in Delhi are hosted in the honor of the national leader, celebrating his thoughts and ideals.

The Navaratri (the nine-day Hindu festival) marks the victory of good over evil. Durga Puja, another important Hindu festival, coincides with Navaratri. According to the legends, Goddess Durga won her battle against an Ox-headed demon freeing the earth from his reign. The celebration involves hosting marquee (huge pandals), religious services, fasting, and feasting.

At the end of the nine-day festival, Dussehra or Vijayadashami is celebrated. On the day, towering effigies of Raavan is burnt to ground – marking the victory of good on evil.

The Qutab Festival (five-day fest) marks the celebration of Sufism, Sufi singing and classical dance. Hosted at the Qutab Minar Complex, the festival is often visited by the fans of Sufi singing.

9. November

Festival celebrated: Chaat Puja, Diwali

Another important Hindu festival, Diwali is often dubbed as one of the essential events in Delhi. Fire crackers are busted, special pujas are hosted, and feasts are gorged. Unfortunately, it is also the noisiest festival, and can be too much for a few.

Chaat Puja is dedicated to Sun God, and falls on the sixth day post Diwali. During the festival, women host a special religious service near a pond or river bank. Liiti, sweet thekua, and chokha are specials made especially for the festival.

10. December

Festivals celebrated: New Year’s Eve, Christmas, Delhi International Arts Festival, Weddings

Talking about events in Delhi, December is full of it. While Delhi International Arts Festival is highly appreciated among the art enthusiasts, and often calls a huge number of fans following. Christmas and New Year are often gathering a huge crowd of its own.

★ Important note:

The Hindu festivals are dated in the accordance to Lunar Calendar.