Since it was my nephew’s first time I took him out to visit some of the most iconic places in Delhi. We visited Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar (Mughal Period monuments and UNESCO world Heritage Sites). In between, we also visited Paranthe Wali Gali in Chandni Chowk Market (Delhi’s oldest market) and the Birla Temple (Construction/modification at this site never stops and probably never will). Although I had seen all these monuments several times before, this time I felt like a tourist all over again. For this I have my nephew to thank for relentlessly asking all those questions about each and every place that we visited, just like tourists do. Covering so many places in a single day was only made possible by the Delhi Metro.

1. Celebrate India – Republic Day with Yatra.com
Delhi is a fascinating city by all standards i.e. historically, culturally, etc. etc. But since I have
been brought up in this city it does not attract the same kind of fascination from me as it would
from an outsider. This is because I feel as if I have seen it all, or so I thought until last year’s
Republic Day when after so many years I was dragged to the Republic Day parade by my young
nephew.
Delhi’s most interesting aspect is not its size (which is HUGE) but the fact that it is steeped in so
many layers of history. This is reflected in its traditional markets, old architecture, historical
monuments, spicy food……..oh damn this list can
go on forever. All this combined with the
modern amenities like superb transportation
and communication makes Delhi one of the
most sought after tourist destinations in India.
However, during Republic Day, Delhi is
transformed to a whole other level. It’s kept
absolutely spic and span, many areas are
decorated for the celebrations, countless
cultural events including the parade take place and most importantly it happens during the
winters. Believe me when I say that Delhi is at its most heavenly during winters. The golden rays
of the sun fight their way through the fog to cast a spectacular glow all over the entire city
lending it a really magical quality.
Since it was my nephew’s first time I took him out to visit some of the most iconic places in
Delhi. We visited Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar (Mughal Period monuments and UNESCO
world Heritage Sites). In between, we also visited Paranthe Wali Gali in Chandni Chowk Market
(Delhi’s oldest market) and the Birla Temple (Construction/modification at this site never stops
and probably never will). Although I had seen all these monuments several times before, this
time I felt like a tourist all over again. For this I have my nephew to thank for relentlessly asking
all those questions about each and every place that we visited, just like tourists do. Covering so
many places in a single day was only made possible by the Delhi Metro.
But, this was all later because the morning was entirely occupied by the Parade. It is probably
the most culturally rich event to take place in the entire country throughout the year. It
features participants from all over the country who put up all kinds of moving exhibitions
featuring both folk and modern culture. However, the most awe inspiring spectacle has to be

2. the military parade by all the three wings of the armed forces, the police and Para-military
forces. I have heard that practices for this event can sometimes start as much as a year in
advance. Well, once I saw the precision and magnanimity on display I couldn’t argue with logic
of starting off a year in advance. There is also an award ceremony but it is the ending of the
parade that really steals the show. It features the Indian Air force jet fighters doing a fly-past.
During this aerial display, my nephew was practically jumping up and down his seat not being
able to contain all his excitement and I can’t deny that watching the parade after so long I too
was feeling the same way to some extent.
Delhi is way too big a city to try and cover in a single blog that’s why I’ll stop here. However,
unlike all my other blogs that I write for the tourists or would-be tourists, I write this one also
for the people of this wonderful city. I hope they too discover the magic of this fantabulous city
all over again just like I did.
This is Joy signing off,
Keep Travelling but more importantly Happy Travelling,
See you all at the Republic Day Parade,
Jai Hind.
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