New Delhi

New Delhi is an urban district of Delhi that serves as the capital of India and seat of all three branches of Government of India.

This city, founded by George V, who was Emperor of India during the Delhi Durbar of 1911, and designed by British architects, has a name that is colloquially interchangeable with Delhi; however, there are two distinct entities – with the town of Delhi counting a few hundreds of thousands of habitants, and the district having a population in excess of 26 million habitants.

New Delhi is a cosmopolitan city due to the multi-ethnic and multi-cultural presence of the vast Indian bureaucracy and political system. The city’s capital status has amplified the importance of national events and holidays. National events such as Republic Day, Independence Day and Gandhi Jayanti are celebrated with great enthusiasm in New Delhi and the rest of India. On India’s Independence Day (15 August) the Prime Minister of India addresses the nation from the Red Fort and most Delhiites celebrate the day by flying kites, which are considered a symbol of freedom. Religious festivals include Diwali (the festival of light), Maha Shivaratri, Teej, Durga Puja, and Mahavir Jayanti.

Tourists visiting Delhi have the opportunity to observe how ancient and modern blend together and to get a glimpse into the past in Old Delhi, with its labyrinth of narrow lanes, old havelis, and colourful bazaars.