Colors of New Delhi - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Local folks in New Delhi are proud of their culture that is why tourists should be attentive and respectful of cultural peculiarities of the local people. Certainly not all the city guests are well educated in cultural traditions and customs of the people that is why local folks are sympathetic and patient about tourists. However tourists should learn several conduct standards.

Setting off to the exploration of religious landmarks and sights tourists should choose a proper outfit. The clothes should not be very tight. It should be high necked and rather long to cover legs. The outfit should be rather loose as well. The optimum choice is an outfit in light colors. Footwear is forbidden on the territory of churches and cathedrals that is why visitors are allowed only barefooted. The footwear can be stored in a handbag during an excursion. Some religious objects are forbidden for entrance for visitors with uncovered heads. This rule considers not only women but men as well.

One of the most significant religious traditions is almsgiving. At the cathedrals and churches tourists will meet many beggars. Alms is enough to be given to one of the beggars, however to get rid of a beggar gang then will be rather challenging. In this case one should not yield to persuasions and should deny other beggars as such a behavior is normally accepted in this case and is rather appropriate. Local folks are rather cordial and friendly towards tourists and are always ready to help them with a piece of advice. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Addressing one of the locals with a request tourists should be ready to reward a helper as local people are always expecting some cash for their assistance. Another original rule will be of great help in any tourist collisions: taking and giving things there should be only right handed. Right hand is also used for taking meal, for greeting acquaintances and giving cash to sellers. Left hand is considered by local folks to be impure that is why a left hand gesture can be considered to be an abuse.

Local people discourage sentiment in public as well. Holding hands in public places should be avoided even by a wedded couple. One should avoid talking in loud voice and laughing in public places. In New Delhi only kids are allowed to talk and laugh loudly. The same impressive and interesting peculiarity of the lifestyle of local people is afternoon rest tradition. It is eagerly followed even by city visitors. Snoozing in the shadow of trees people are met everywhere and crowded buzzing streets are not an exception. One should not get surprised with that fact as it is one of the established lifestyle traditions of local people.

India is famous for its colorful festivals, and its capital, New Delhi, is definitely no exception - events celebrated here are worth visiting by all fans of unusual and bright holidays and will be remembered for a long time. At the beginning of July, Indians celebrate the Mango International Festival dedicated to the local “King of Fruits”. The venue is Dilli Haat Center where guests of the holiday have an amazing opportunity to try a variety of mangoes - from the famous Alfonso to Dasheri (it is worth noting that about five hundred mango cultivars are grown in India). The holiday program involves a competition for the best fruit variety (chosen by public voting), as well as mango carving and speed-eating contests.

Of great interest to tourists looking for unique souvenirs is the Surajkund International Crafts Mela, an annual fair covering the first two weeks of February. It is held on the central streets of Surajkund, New Delhi's suburb where about four hundred best craftsmen from all over India present their products. These are small figurines, jewelry, and huge statues. Besides the fair, visitors will enjoy a gastronomic program with local cuisine and shows of local and foreign musicians, dancers, and street performers. No one is unaware of the flavor of India and its bazaars, and it is at this festival that one can feel its open-armed “soul”. Bargaining is a must here - it is an indispensable attribute of any purchase in India.

Music lovers visit New Delhi at the end of September when it hosts the Delhi International Jazz Festival, one of the largest jazz festivals in India. The best jazz and blues musicians from the United States, Italy, Poland, France, Israel, and, of course, India, are invited to the event every year. The picturesque Nehru Park traditionally invites everyone to spend time in a comfortable environment listening to quality music. It must be said that you can listen to both traditional jazz and related genres such as blues, funk, soul, rock. Improvised jam sessions are of the greatest interest.

In mid-July and mid-October, guests of the city have a great opportunity to join the International Ethnic Folklore Festival whose participants come from all over the world to represent their cultures. The festival is regularly attended by about twenty thousand people. Biennale is one of the most promising festivals in India offering to enjoy dancing, music, acting (about ten international and five national folk groups - about four hundred performers). The venues are historical sites of the city, which means that it is another great opportunity to explore attractions of the Indian capital.