Delhi is also the cultural capital of India and dances, drama, book readings, film festivals, fares or fests are usually on in the city. There are some cultural activities that scream out to be mentioned here, the first being the Surajkund Mela. Technically in Haryana, it is held near Faridabad, a satellite town of Delhi. What are on display (and to be bought) are handloom and handicraft treasures of India. Folk dance and music performances are also common. The fare is held between the 1st and 15th of February every year.
Dilli Haat is another venue of such fairs with a state of India being the focus, every once in a while. Good ambience, traditional music and dance and regional cuisine make it a perfect evening out.
Talking about cuisine, how can you be in Delhi and not sample the luscious mangoes? So much is the city enamored with the fruit that there is a Mango Festival held every July at the Talkatora stadium showcasing more than 3000 varieties of mangoes. Also on display are various preparations of the fruit from pickles and squashes to chutneys.
Usually in September there is the Qutab Festival held against the backdrop of floodlit Qutab Minar with classical and fusion music performances by the country's most eminent artists.
The India Habitat Centre and the India International Centre regularly host dances, theatre performances, talks, art exhibitions and films. The Sangeet Natak Academy is Delhi's hub for performing arts and at the Parsi Anjuman Hall, performances of folk and classical dances of India are held every day at 6:45 PM. The Siri Fort auditorium is a regular host of films and film festivals.
If you are in Delhi in the month of July, do not miss the Book Fare held at Pragati Maidan, or the Trade Fare in November.
