The cultural diversity and religious unity are the core values of the Indian society. Delhi, being the capital of India, naturally reflects it all, as people from different states come here for best education, best medicinal assistance and good job opportunities. It is a centre stage of Indian politics too and represents all that is best in the country. The metropolitan city with a cosmopolitan outlook, New Delhi boasts of a rich cultural heritage. The ancient city still reflects the remnants of the glorious old-age charm and culture, yet has a very modern and chic lifestyle. The nightlife is interesting and a number of discos beckon the youngsters to sway and dance on enchanting numbers.

Delhi has a mini India feel to it. People from different corners of the country have come and made Delhi their home. The culture of Delhi, thus, is liberal and tolerable. People from different parts of India live in peace and harmony in the capital and practice all their customs and rituals without any hindrance. This is reflected in various fairs and festivals that are celebrated in Delhi. You can see Bengalis celebrating Durga Pooja with same fervour and gaiety, as north Indians celebrate Diwali or Holi. During Jagrans, one can find Shri Sai Baba and Guru Nanak Dev sharing space with gods of the Hindu pantheon.

The festivals in New Delhi form a great part of the ethnic culture of the city. There is an endless list of festivals in New Delhi, which includes, Id-Ul-Fitar, celebrated to mark the end of Ramzan, the Muslim month of fasting. It is an occasion for fasting and rejoicing. Makar Sakranti is a major harvest festival of India. This festival is not only celebrated in Delhi, but in Tamilnadu, Karnataka, and AndhraPradesh also. Republic Day and Independence Day is also one of the main festivals in New Delhi; the celebrations include a magnificent parade of the armed Forces, folk dances, and floats from all the different states of India.

At the Nizamuddin Shrine, one can still hear the 'Qawwalis'. 'Gurbani' (the verses from the Granth Sahib) and prabhat ferries can be heard in the Gurudwaras, 'bhajans' and 'aartis' in the temples and Sunday masses in Churches. The traditional fairs and festivals like 'Phoolwalo-Ki-Sair' are still being celebrated. With the increasing number of people from different states, the regional festivals like 'Chhath Puja' of Bihar and 'Durga Puja' of Bengal are also being observed. Since Delhi shares its borders with Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, its people and their lifestyle is often influenced greatly by these regions.

Though Punjabis dominate Delhi, it has now developed a number of pockets dominated by other communities also, such as South Indians in R.K. Puram and Bengalis in C.R. Park. It is this diversity that makes Delhi so lively and colorful. Indo-Persian art is reflected in Jama Masjid, while Birla Temple and the Chattarpur Temple complex exude amalgamations of North and South Indian architectural styles. Lotus temple is notable not only for representing the Bahai way of worship, but also the splendid architectural design. Jains and Buddhists also have their own shrines in the city, while the Tibetan monastery near the Interstate bus terminus is representative of the Tibetan culture in India.

Delhi has a rich cultural life. You can enjoy a number of cultural programmes that are a regular affair at India Habitat Centre, India International Centre, Dilli Haat and Triveni Kala Sangam. You can enjoy theatre at Shri Ram Centre for Performing Arts and National School of Drama.