Delhi as a multicultural society celebrates all Indian festivals with great gusto including Diwali, Dussehra, Id or Christmas as also the festivals typical to the different states. Local festivals include the:

Republic Day (26^th January): A splendid parade along the city’s main avenue, Rajpath, commemorates the day India became a republic. Marching soliders, brass bands, tanks and armoury, the colourful camel corps, folk dancers, school children, colourful floats and an Air Force fly-past together make it the most spectacular event of the year.

Beating the Retreat (29th January): A marvellous spectacle of marching bands from the armed forces, is set against the imposing backdrop of the Rashtrapti Bhawan, the secretariats and the setting sun.

Garden Tourism Festival (February): Held at the Talkatora Gardens, the festival is an annual horticultural extravaganza with a colorful display of flowers, exotic plants, cultural events, etc.

Suraj Kund Mela (February): The popular Crafts Fair held at Suraj Kund (15 km) is set in a rural ambience, with folk dance, music and food from the different states.

International Mango Festival (July): The Festival is dedicated to the favourite Indian fruit, the Mango.

Phoolwalon Ki Sair (Oct): A marvellous flower seller’s festival that originated in the 16^th century. Beautiful floral fans, taken in procession at Mehrauli are blessed at the shrine of the Sufi Saint Kwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kai and at the Hindu temple of Jogmaya.

Qutb Festival (November): It is a cultural event held in the magical setting of the Qutb Complex.

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