Delhi's festival calendar begins with the
Republic Day parade on 26th January. Hundreds of thousands people
line the route from Rajpath to the Red Fort to watch the pageant
of solders, camel crops, armored regiments, brass bands, folk
dancers, school children, war veterans and elaborate floats
representing the cultural diversity of India. Various bands of
the armed forces set the pace for marching troops against the
grand backdrop of Rashtrapati Bhawan.
Holi, the festivals of colors, marks the onset of spring. In
August, the festival Janamashtami, celebrates the birth of Lord
Krishna. Ballets in the Kathak dance style depict the life of
Lord Krishna.
In early October, a festival specific to Mehrauli, in Delhi,
takes place. This the Phulwalon - Ki - Sair or the Flower sellers
Procession, which originated in the 16th century. The highlight
is a prossional of people carrying decorated floral fans, which
are blessed at the shrine of the 13th -century Sufi saint, Khwaja
Qutbuddin Bakhtyar Kaki and at the hindu temple of Jogmaya, both
in Mehrauli.
Diwali, the festivals of lights is preceded by several Diwali
Melas, where food, handicrafts and a variety of earthern lamps
and candles are sold. Large communities of Indians from different
states reside in Delhi. As a result, regional festivals are also
celebrated in the capital.










