There are a number of festivals, holidays and other events celebrated in Delhi each year.
The main ones are listed below:
Each year, the founding of the Republic of India on this day in 1950 is marked with pomp and pageantry. Celebrations include official ceremonies, a large and colourful military parade down Rajpath and general merry-making, including street theatre and fireworks.
February 12: Vasant Panchami (national)This one-day Hindu festival celebrates the arrival of spring. In and around Delhi, the day is celebrated with kite flying, singing, dancing and feasting.
May 1: Labour Day (national) August 15 : Independence Day (national)The anniversary of India's independence in 1947 is celebrated each year with flag raising and other patriotic ceremonies, military parades and cultural events.
September 17: Ganesh Chaturthi (national)This festival is dedicated to Ganesh, the elephant-headed Hindu god of wisdom and prosperity. For three days, a huge procession, including many dancers and musicians, makes its way to the Chowpatty River carrying clay images and giant statues of the god, which are immersed in the water.
October 2: Gandhi Jayanti - Mahatma Gandhi's Birthday (national)Commemorated throughout the country, this holiday celebrates the anniversary of Gandhi's birth on this day in 1869. All schools and stores are closed. Numerous religious ceremonies are held to remember independent India's founding father.
November: Diwali (national)Oil lamps, lanterns and candles illuminate Delhi and all of India during this five-day festival of lights. According to tradition, Diwali celebrates the god Rama's return from 14 years of exile in the forest, when citizens lit his way with oil lamps, after his victory over the demon Ravana. Festivities also include feasting with loved ones, and exchanges of sweets and gifts.
December 25: Christmas (national holiday)| Month | Min. Average Temperature (°C/F°) | Max. Average Temperature (°C/F°) | Average Rains (MM) | Best Time to Travel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8/46 | 21/70 | 19/0.7 | Good period to go
|
| February | 10/50 | 23/73 | 20/0.8 | Good period to go
|
| March | 15/59 | 29/84 | 15/0.6 | Not the best period to go |
| April | 22/72 | 36/97 | 21/0.8 | Not the best period to go |
| May | 26/79 | 39/102 | 25/1.0 | Not the best period to go |
| June | 28/82 | 39/102 | 70/2.8 | Not the best period to go |
| July | 27/81 | 35/95 | 237/9.3 | Not the best period to go |
| August | 26/79 | 34/93 | 235/9.3 | Not the best period to go |
| September | 25/77 | 33/91 | 113/4.4 | Not the best period to go |
| October | 20/68 | 33/91 | 17/0.7 | Good period to go
|
| November | 13/55 | 28/82 | 9/0.4 | Good period to go
|
| December | 8/46 | 23/73 | 9/0.4 | Good period to go
|
The Indira-Gandhi International Airport is located about 23 kilometres (14 miles) west of the city centre.
Delhi is a hectic city with very dense, and even chaotic, traffic at all hours of the day and night. At the outset, getting around the city may seem complicated. In fact, Delhi has a public transport system that is both reliable and efficient.
The Delhi Metro is certainly the best solution for getting around the city. Its 193-kilometre (120-mile) network has six lines, with a total of 160 stations. Tickets are inexpensive (about INR 10) and the system is quick and convenient.
Delhi has a vast network of bus routes and fares are very inexpensive. However, buses are very often crammed with passengers and many of the routes do not use air-conditioned vehicles at present, which makes this a rather uncomfortable means of transport. Fares range from INR 5 per ticket for distances under 4 kilometres (2.4 miles) to INR 10 between 4 and 10 kilometres (2.4 to 6.2 miles) and INR 15 beyond 10 kilometres (6.2 miles).
Fares are almost doubled for air-conditioned buses, based on the distance travelled (INR 10 under 4 kilometres [2.4 miles]).
In Delhi, you will see very few taxis cruising for passengers. Most taxis are reserved by telephone, rather than being hailed in the street. Furthermore, taxi fares are relatively high. Expect to pay about INR 100 for a short ride within the city centre.
Rickshaws are three-wheeled vehicles. In Delhi, they are without doubt the most popular and practical means of transport, especially for short distances. Rickshaws can be found all over the city and are able to thread their way quite easily through streets blocked by heavy traffic. Fares are generally low, but you should always negotiate the price beforehand. There is no set rate, but generally expect INR 25 for 2 kilometres (1.2 mile), then INR 8 per extra kilometre (0.6 mile).
Upon your arrival in Delhi, you can get in touch with local tourism professionals for further information and to help organize your stay.
Government of India Tourist Office in DelhiOffers practical information and useful recommendations (accommodation, restaurants, public transport, festivals, cultural events, etc.).
The official travel website maintained by India's Ministry of Tourism provides a wealth of information on Delhi.
Website: www.incredibleindia.org
See your doctor before you travel. It is recommended that you obtain insurance covering health care expenses as well as medical evacuation or repatriation before you leave home. Delhi counts several hospitals and medical institutions, as well as quality medical practitioners and health specialists.
VaccinationsThere are no vaccination requirements for visitors to India. However, booster doses of the following vaccines are strongly recommended for anyone travelling to the Indian subcontinent: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, typhoid, and hepatitis A and B. For longer stays, a rabies vaccination is also recommended.
For more information, contact Air France's international vaccination centre:
It is recommended to drink bottled water.
All foreign nationals must apply for visas before travelling to India.
Since Mai 2015, the e-Tourist Visa allowing for visa on arrival issuance has been available in 16 airports including in Delhi. It may be required for short- stays (less than 30 days).
For further information, visit the website of the Indian Bureau of Immigration:
http://boi.gov.in/content/apply-visa-online
To enjoy peace of mind during your stay in Delhi, visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your country.
Here are a few basic Hindi phrases that will make your stay in Delhi a little easier:
Hello / Good morning / Good afternoon: Namaste
Good evening: Namaste
Goodbye: Alavida
Yes: Jee haan
No: Nahi
No, thank you: Nahi dhanyawaad
Thank you very much: Bahut dhanyawaad
Please: Kripya kar key
I don't understand: Mein nahi samjha
Could you repeat ?: Kripya dohrain?
What time is it ?: Time kya hai ?
Sorry / Excuse me: Shama kijiye
Airport: Airport
Train station: Train station
Taxi: Taxi
Hotel: Hotel
Hospital: Hospital
Bank: Bank
Telephone: Phone
I'm (…): Mein (…)
I'm looking for (…): Mein janna naa chahta hoon
How much is (...)?: Kya kimat hai (…) ?
Do you have (…)?: Kya aap (…)?
Where can I find (…)?: Kahan milenga (…) ?
Where can I buy (…)?: Kahan khareed saktey hain (…) ?
I'd like (…): Mein chahata hoon (…).
Tipping
There are no hard-and-fast rules on tipping in India. Nevertheless, with the influx of tourists it has become increasingly common, especially in large cities like Delhi. The expected tip is usually about 10% of the bill. Some Delhi restaurants add a service charge to the bill. When this is the case, no additional tip is necessary. .
