The long history of the city of Delhi and the length of time that this had been known as the capital of the country of India has had a great influence the city’s culture. There are numerous monuments and public sculptures surrounding the city, and there are more than one thousand buildings that are recognized as heritage sites by the Archaeological Survey. Many of the early rulers are responsible for the incredible architecture in the city, such as the largest mosque in the country, the Jama Masjid. Three of the national heritage sites of India are located in Delhi, the Qutab Minar, the Red Fort and the Humayun Tomb. When entering the city one will most likely enter through the Gate of India. There are many temples throughout the city that incredible architectural structures as well as Memorial Tombs such as the one containing Gandhi, the Raj Ghat. Many of these past listed buildings were the influence of the Turkish and Mogul rulers. Several of the government buildings are of the Colonial British influences, such as the Sectretariat and the Parliament House of India.
Dehli is the location for the celebrations of the country as well as for holidays and national public events. Many Delhi 5 star hotels fill during the Gandhi Jayanti Festival, a celebration of his birthday each year, and also for the Republic Day and India’s Day of Independence. On that day, August 15th, the Prime Minister travels to Delhi and speaks to the country from the site of the Red Fort. Many kites can be seen in the skies that day, as the kite symbolizes freedom. The parade is huge with military marching and various colorful aspects of the culture as well. And one of the most colorful and all encompassing examples of the diverse culture can be witnessed during each September, the Phool Walon Ki Sair. A veritable festival of flowers, be they real, block printed or embroidered on materials and dancing. Both these celebrations in August and September provide the traveler with a taste of the amazing culture, not just of Delhi, but of the entire country as well.
