Hinduism, one of the dominant religions of the world, was born in India. In addition, India is home to a large Moslem population, a strong Sikh community, as well as large communities of Christians, Buddhists, Zoroastrians, and Bahá'ís. India’s spiritual network is diverse and rich, and this ancient land provided a fertile ground for the rise and spread of Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. People of these faiths now constitute an important element of the religious fabric of the country. New Delhi, the capital of India, is home to all of the above religions, make the city unusually diverse and exciting.
New Delhi has many ancient temples, mosques, and synagogues, such as the famous lotus shaped Bahá'í Temple. The pristine white marble, the peace and tranquillity, and the mastery of stone sculpted into the shape of a flower make the Lotus Temple an architectural marvel besides being a spiritual center. Similarly the ISCKON Temple and the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib are revered by people of all faiths.
While in New Delhi, be sure to enjoy Indian festivals in all their colors. The Indian calendar has many festivals that brighten up life at regular intervals. Holi the festival of colors, Diwali the festival of lights, and Dussehra the celebration of good over evil are all celebrated with gusto in India’s capital. Besides these, the birthdays of Guru Nanak, Lohri, Eid ul-Fitr, Maha Shivaratri, Eid ul-Adha, and Buddha Jayanti are also celebrated with faith and fervour all over the country and especially enthusiastically in New Delhi. Visitors to the city should plan their trip in the months from September to March as this is when most of the festivals take place.
New Delhi has been influenced by many cultures, customs, and religions, and it is this cross-cultural influence that gives the city an identity all its own.