Delhi-- the capital of
India, reflects the cultural diversity and religious
unity of India. It is difficult to define the culture
and religion of India. As there is a continuous inflow
of people from all parts of India, the cultural diversity
is very prominent.
Being an ancient city Delhi has the
shadows of its past. It is said that the Delhi is losing
its charm but still the glory of the past looms large
its life-style. Delhi might be changing with time it
has always done so but it has never shelved the past.
There are discos for youngsters to swing
their body through out the night, but still the Quwallies
at the Nizamuddin Shrine floats in the air, the silence
of the night is broken by the Prabhat ferries and the
singing of Gurbani (the verses from the Granth Sahaib),
the bells in the temples still tells about God being
every where, the Sunday masses in Churches still attract
the otherwise busy residents of India. People take a
break from the hurried life during the ancient fairs
and festivals like 'Phoolwalo-Ki-Sair which are still
oraganised in traditional way.
Delhi shares its borders with Haryana,
Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, which influence
the life-styles and language of the people. Migrations
from various parts of India has led to pockets of has
diverse culture coming together in various parts of
Delhi.
For example, R.K. Puram has a concentration
of South Indians, while C.R. Park has a concentration
of Bengalies. Delhi celebrates Durga Puja is celebrated
with same enthusiasm as Id is celebrated. The Guru Purab
and Christmas carry the same colour as Dewali or Buddha
Purnima. The amalgamation of various cultures, traditions,
religions has painted Delhi in colour which are brought
from all over India.
The Jama Mazjid of the walled city is
an excellent example of Indo-Persian art, whereas the
Birla Temple and the Chattarpur Temple complex are considered
as a blend of the North and South Indian architectural
styles. Gurdwara Raquab Ganj, Sheesh Ganj and Bangla
Sahib stand tall for Sikhism, whereas St. Thomas and
St. Columbus toll their bells for Christians.
The Bahai Lotus temple has introduced
the Bahai way of worship in Delhi. Not to forget the
ancient religions of Jainism and Buddhism whose genesis
is in India. The monastery near the Interstate bus terminus
is hub of Tibetan culture in India. Not only for the
Monastery but the place has acquired fame as shopping
mall. Though 'Parsies' reside mainly in western India,
Delhi opens its arms for one and all.
Even though Hindus form the majority,
almost 85%, India does not impose any official religion
on its people. Through the ages Delhi has accepted,
adapted and moulded itself to everything from Islam,
rather from Aryan culture to Christianity. It adopted
herself with the changing faces of history. It got the
destroyed many times but it has retained the culture,
heritage, religion and the tradition of its time for
the generations to come.
While visiting these architecturally
magnificent spiritual abodes, acquire prior information
of the etiquettes to be followed. Taking off shoes and
other leather articles and even covering the head and
body in the sanatorium might be mandatory at such places.
Avoid hugging and holding hands at these places.
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