Delhi - The City of Open Hearts

With a population of 26 million, Delhi is described as a microcosm of India, preserving many of the country's cultural, religious, and traditional values. Centuries of global trade, invasions, and colonization have transformed it into one of the world's most multicultural cities.

And these inhabitants, who have adapted to this ever-changing culture, are affectionately known as "Dilliwalas"—a term the locals often use to refer to themselves, derived from the phrase "Dillwalo ki Dilli," meaning "land of people with open hearts."

Endless festivities

This diversity makes it easy to find your own little corner. "The atmosphere of Delhi is quite similar to the ambiance of a pleasant café," observes Nishchal Dua from New Delhi (a region within Delhi and the capital of India). "You can smell many different aromas the moment you walk in, and you're completely free to choose whatever you like."

"This is the political capital and also the fashion capital of the country, so the atmosphere always feels like a mix of New York City and Washington D.C.," as Anjhula Mya Singh Bais describes it. She lived in New Delhi for six years. This means it's harder to fit in here than in other Indian cities. "Delhi is a place that cares about who you are, where you come from, what you wear, or what kind of car you drive, so it takes time to integrate," she observes.

Despite their diversity, Delhi's residents, young and old, share one thing in common: they love to party. Weddings here can last from five to ten days, with up to 1,000 guests attending the festivities and traditional ceremonies. While weddings in the country are multi-day events, Delhi is famous for potentially having as many as 60,000 weddings on a single auspicious day. The extravagance has become so excessive that lawmakers have passed laws to curb the overspending. "It's not uncommon to see the groom arrive at his wedding by helicopter on his big day," Dua said. "I'm not kidding, my dad is a pilot."

With over a million weddings in the city each year, lavish and boisterous celebrations shape the social life of a large segment of the population, but more Western-influenced and youthful settings are often found in bars and restaurants. The city boasts a deep culinary culture, with diverse flavors and many eateries open continuously, such as The Social in Hauz Khas Village, a co-working space with a wide selection of cocktails; the Public Affair bar with its array of Prohibition-era cocktails; or the European-style Civil House restaurant in Khan Market.

Wandering around the ends of Delhi

Delhi is a vast city, with its famous Old Delhi retaining most of its history, including the 350-year-old Chandni Chowk market. "Walk into the oldest markets, temples, and pagodas, and you'll see Delhi from 100 years ago," says Komal Darira, a native Delhi resident and local guide.

The Taj Mahal is located 240 km south of Delhi, and you can visit a similar structure at the Red Fort in Old Delhi, built in 1639 as the residence of the Mughal dynasty.

Delhi also boasts numerous green spaces with impressive temples, such as the 36-hectare Lodhi Gardens and the 40-hectare Akshardham complex, which features a 24-meter-tall mandir (a Hindu temple) at its center.

Rajasthan, located 300 km southwest of Delhi, is the destination for those seeking the "pink city" of Jaipur (named for its pink-painted avenues) or the opulent Udaipur with its lakeside palaces. Himachal Pradesh, the gateway to the Himalayas, is 300 km north of Delhi, with the resort town of Manali being a popular destination for skiers, hikers, and boaters.

Flights from Delhi to many other cities in India are frequent and affordable. Mumbai, Delhi's rival, is just a two-hour flight southwest, and a little further is the seaside city of Goa for nature and sea lovers.

Huong Thao