Staying with Ravi and Anju has been a great part of our adventures in India. They have been incredible hosts who have helped us in so many ways – we couldn’t have done it without them!
We were lucky to be able to spend the long weekend with them and celebrate Republic Day. This holiday is to commemorate India signing their own constitution in 1950 which replaced the British India Act from 1935. The day was started with an incredible parade and this year’s special guest was none other than US President Barack Obama.
We were up early in the morning to watch the pomp and circumstance of the parade and enjoyed sharing the time with Ravi, Anju and Pranav. The parade showcased the armed forces and floats from each of the 29 states located throughout the country. The parade finished with an airshow as well as motorcycle balancing acts, (Obama gave his thumbs up to this act – we did too!)
That evening we went for a drive to see how others were celebrating and loved the beautiful way India Gate, the Parliament Buildings and the President’s House were lit up for the occasion.
New Delhi is India’s second largest city with around 17 million people. The many tourist attractions are spread throughout, so we decided to take a Hop on Hop Off (HoHo) tour bus over the course of a few days so we could see the sights.
To start our tour, we needed to pick up our bus in the downtown area so we ventured onto the New Delhi Metro. I am quite impressed with the train system, and proud to see they are using Canadian made Bombardier trains!
One difference we have noticed are the required security checks– both bag and body each time we enter a station. It’s quick and easy and ensures the security of riders. Another neat thing that has been in place for just over a year, is the Women’s car. The first car of every train is for women only so that they can feel safe and secure. The girls and I always go to the first car as it is so crowded on the trains; we prefer to be squished in with the women:)
As we made our way through the city, one of our favourite places was Humayun’s Tomb. Many of you might say, “That looks like the Taj Mahal!” and you would be correct.
Humayun was the second Mughal emperor between 1508 and 1558. The tomb was erected by his wife and is the first example of 15th century Timurad architecture. This included the bulbous double dome, a high portal, coloured tilework, and vaulted ceilings. The building was created with red sandstone and white marble which was then used in almost all buildings, (like the Red Fort) thereafter. Humayun’s tomb inspired Shah Jahan in the design of the Taj Mahal which is why they look so similar.
New Delhi is also a wonderful place to see colourful markets. We really enjoyed exploring Dilli Haat which is a market for local artisans. There are beautiful textiles and jewellery…we are looking forward to some fun negotiations!
New Delhi is a fast paced and bustling city with lots to see and do. We still have more to explore and look forward to further adventures!
Comments
14 responses to “Happy Republic Day – Delhi Style!”
Been following your trip. Glad you like delhi and your hosts so much. Continue to have fun!
Thanks for your good wishes Surabhi!
We are having a fabulous time in Dehli and can’t wait to experience more of this beautiful country!
Cheers,
Kat:)
The market looks awesome – the textiles! Have fun shopping. The soldiers on camels were pretty cool also.
Hi Nicole,
This is the place for you…the textiles are beyond belief! Make sure you come to this country….the colours are incredible!
Cheers,
Kat:)
I am looking forward to reading about your negotiations in India compared with Turkey. It will be interesting to hear what the similarities and differences are between the two countries. Are you planning to buy more carpets or just blankets in India?
🙂
Lots of love,
Helen
Hi Helen,
I think it would be safe to say, that Indian negotiations are very much like the ones we found in Turkey and elsewhere. I think they all went to the same business schools:) Everything is negotiable from tuktuk, taxi and rickshaw rides to everything in the shops. The only places with fixed prices are government stores and we don’t go there. It’s more fun to bargain:)
We were not thinking we would buy blankets…but we couldn’t resist – they are just gorgeous! Stay tuned for another blog post on our shopping experiences!
Cheers,
Kat:)
Hi Kat,
Loved seeing the parade and all the celebrations for Republic Day. The Parliament buildings, India Gate and the President’s House look lovely lit up. Once again the architecture is beautiful! I think that it is great that one subway car is designated for women! Love, Mom
Hi Mom,
The architecture and lights are beautiful here….we are quite impressed by the buildings and all the gardens – you would really like it! And the celebrations were lots of fun!
Cheers,
Kat:)
Once again ,reminding myself to breathe!! Thanks for the most interesting history lesson re Independence Day as well as the building that inspired the Taj Mahal. Did not know that! I did read about the women only cars and the reason that they exist and am glad that you used them. This sounds like a most complex, exciting, beautiful, yet a wee bit scary place. ( for me).
There must also be amazing manufacturing places that produce these colourful fabrics and wonderful jewelry … Or is that on your list to explore as well?
Hi Herta,
I would have to agree with you….our senses have been at times overwhelmed (in a good way), by the colourful sights, smells and sounds around us. It’s nothing we’ve ever experienced before. The sheer number of people and how the city functions has been of great interest to me – it’s been incredible learning for all of us. And yes – we ended up at some textile wholesalers…watch for an upcoming post!
Cheers,
Kat:)
Kat,
Loved the shots of the Parliament buildings and President’s house! Very beautiful! Also, loved the camels in the parade. More wonderful looking market shots!! So colourful! Being surrounded by all the colours might be a bit of sensory overload but in a really good way!!
Ginny
Hi Ginny,
The colours are fantastic and it’s so amazing to see all the saris – they are gorgeous! All the women dress so brightly here…it makes me feel like updating my wardrobe of dark suits and inserting splashes of colour. It would certainly brighten up our gray winters (which we are not missing at all by the way!).
Cheers,
Kat:)
Hi there! I hadn’t heard that Obama was on vacation with you….you guys really hang out with some big names!!! The photos really impressed me – loved all the colours. Enjoy….travel safely. Love Doreen xoxox
HI Doreen,
You know how we roll…only with the “Top Guns”. We continue to jet in the same places as those with a crazy sense of adventure:) THe colours are incredible here…..I think we’re all going to buy saris – except Oliver of course…he just has to pay for them all!
Cheers,
Kat:)