Visitors' Information
Visitors' Information | Etiquette
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Language
India is known for its cultural diversity. Hindi is the
snatural language. English is used as an official language
and as a linguistic 'bridge' between the various ethnic
groups that make up India. In fact, there are 18 other languages
all recognised by the constitution, and in addition to these,
there are 1600 languages and many more dialects throughout
the subcontinent.
Ironically, English is part of the main Indo-European group
of languages which includes the Indic languages. These languages
were brought by settlers to India from Central Asia.
Hindi is the other most widely spoken language in the north,
but not in the south where the Dravidian group of languages
are spoken. Hindi, English and Punjabi are the most common
languages spoken in Delhi, with Urdu spoken in the bazaars.
Shopping in Delhi
Delhi's shops have a reputation for stocking everything
you could ever wish to find in India. A good place to begin
a shopping expedition is the Central Cottage Industries
Emporium on Janpath near Connaught Place. This is the area
to find practically everything from finely crafted woodcarvings
and Indian art, to clothes, textiles and furniture.
Janpath is famous for its small shops and the place to
find curios and oriental gifts. Bargaining is expected,
but it should never become a fierce contest of personal
wills or degenerate into a heated exchange. Bargaining is
part of the culture, but the most effective bargaining is
also good natured and friendly. Most shopkeepers are hardworking,
honest and not out to fleece their customers.
The commercial hub of Old Delhi is Chandni Chowk (Silver
Square). There are several good markets to be found here
selling everything from traditionally handcrafted jewellery
to paintings, carpets, perfumes, oils, soaps, incense and
delicious sweetmeats. The best streets in this area are
Shahjahanabad and Cariba Kalan.
Out of town, the modern Haus Khas Village (the Soho of
Delhi), situated 12 kilometres south-west of Connaught Place,
is well worth a visit for its excellent boutiques, jewellery
shops, galleries and restaurants. There is also evening
entertainment here with performances of music and dance.
Business Hours
Government departments and offices generally open between
the hours of 10:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, and
on alternate Saturdays.
Post offices throughout India are generally open from 10:00
am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Saturday (close at midday on Saturday).
Markets and shopping centres are normally open from 10:am
to 8:00 pm and close for one day a week.
Restaurants open at various times, but generally close
at 11:00 pm.
National Public Holidays
On the following dates, shops and businesses will either
close or trade for limited hours. Please note that the dates
of the Muslim festivals are set by the lunar calendar (354
days), not the Gregorian, so there is an approximate 11-day
disparity each year.
26th January (Republic Day)
30th January (Martyrs' Day)
January / February (Id-ul-Fitr Muslim holiday)
March (Holi Hindu festival)
March / April (Good Friday)
April (Id-ul-Zuhara Muslim holiday)
13th April (Mahavir Jayanti)
May (Muharram Muslim holiday)
14th May (Buddha Purnima)
July (Milad-un-Nabi Muslim holiday)
15th August (Independence Day)
September (Ram Lila Hindu festival)
October (Diwali Hindu festival)
2nd October (Gandhi Jayanti - Gandhi's Birthday)
7th November (Guru Nanak's Birthday)
25th December (Christmas Day)
Events and Festivals in Delhi
There are many festivals and events held in Delhi throughout
the year, some of which draw upon the city's cultural traditions.
Others, such as international trade shows, reflect the city's
standing as a venue for international events.
26th January (Republic Day Parade - Rajpath)
February or March (Holi Hindu Festival)
March or April (Hindus celebrate the birth of Rama)
July (International Mango Festival)
15th August (Independence Day - Red Fort)
August and September (Festivals of Ganesh Chaturthi and
Janmashtami - Krishna's birth)
Late August (Crafts Mela)
September or October (Ram Lila - India's most popular festival)
Late October (Festival of Diwali)
Tourist Information
The Government of India has a tourist office at:
88 Janpath
New Delhi
Tel: +91 11 332 0005.
The office is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 6:00
pm and on Saturday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Information
is not displayed and therefore tourists should enquire first.
There are also tourist information offices at the airport,
and Delhi Tourism Corporation have an office in Connaught
Place, Tel: +91 11 331 3637.
Please note that certain establishments called 'tourist
information centres' are not official and trade basically
as travel agents.
Religion
India has a vast diversity of religions and has produced
some of the greatest religious thinkers, from the Buddha
to Mahatma Gandhi.
The most popular religion is Hinduism, followed by Sunni
Muslim. Christians and Sikhs make up 4% of the population.
Hinduism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism and Jainism are all religions
that have their ancient origins in India.
Places of Worship
Delhi has many places of worship including mosques, temples,
churches and a synagogue. Visitors to holy places should
be prepared to adhere to a strict code of religious etiquette.
