The
cultural diversity and religious unity are the core values of Indian
society and 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 India. The
metropolitan city with a cosmopolitan outlook, Delhi is not free from
the shadows of its royal past. The ancient city Delhi still reflects the
remnants of the glorious old-age charm and yet has a very modern and
chic lifestyle. The nightlife is interesting and a number of discos
throughout the city beckon the youngsters to sway and dance with
enchanting numbers. At the Nizamuddin Shrine, one can still hear the 'Qawwalis', 'Gurbani' (the verses from the Granth Sahaib) 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 are still being celebrated such as 'Phoolwalo-Ki-Sair'. With the increasing number of people from different states, regional festivals of Bihar such as 'Chhath Puja' and Bengal such as 'Durga Puja' are also observed here. 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, it is said that Delhi has mostly Punjabis, it now has a number of pockets dominated by other communities 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 Maszjid while Birla Temple and the Chattarpur Temple complex exude amalgamations of North and South Indian architectural styles. Some of the famous Gurudwaras of Delhi are Gurdwara Raquab Ganj, Sheesh Ganj and Bangla Sahib while Churches such as St. Thomas and St. Columbus are popular among Christians. Bahai Lotus temple is notable not only for representing the Bahai way of worship in Delhi 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.
