Delhi
is one of the greenest capitals in the world, with a long tradition of laying
out of gardens, which dot the city. It is this tradition that Delhi Tourism
keeps alive by holding the Garden Tourism Festival at the end of February which
is generally spread over three days and generates much enthusiasm amongst the
gardening fratenity. This is not only a visual feast since Delhi is ablaze with flowers at this time, but also a useful meeting ground for gardening enthusiasts, as well as fun and frolic for children of all ages.
The seat of empire for centuries, royal patronage ensured that Delhi remained the cultural epicentre of the country, attracting the best of painters, musicians and dancers. Delhi Tourism puts on display this rich and diverse cultural heritage by holding a series of festivals during the year.
To celebrate the advent of the king of fruits, Delhi Tourism holds the Mango Festival in the month of July. Mentioned in the Vedas and Upanishads the mango is considered auspicious and a symbol of life and joy forever.
The largest producer of mangoes, India grows more than eleven hundred varieties of mangoes in different parts of the country. The Mango Festival is the place to discover the magic of mangoes in all their immense variety.
Traditionally, Delhi Tourism holds the Qutub Festival of classical music and dance around Sharad Purnima in the month of October at the Qutub Minar Complex.
The Qutub and its surrounding monuments, bathed in the silver radiance of the full moon provide a perfect backdrop. Graceful dances performed by leading exponents of dance.
The scattered citadels of erstwhile dynasties which co-exist with high rise residential localities and crowded commercial complexes, form the picturesque backdrop for the haunting melodies and graceful dances rendered by leading artistes during the festival organised by Delhi Tourism, some popular ones are the Roshnara and Shalimar Bagh Festivals.
These festivals mirror the multiplicity of cultures and reflect the fusion of regional diversities which constitutes modern day Delhi, where the ancient and the modern blend most harmoniously into a whole.
