As the capital of India,
for centuries the flourishing court culture attracted itinerant artists
to seek the patronage of kings. Delhi has overtaken Mumbai and Calcutta
as the cultural capital of the country. Struggling artists now
flock to Delhi in search of fame, fortune and acclaim. Many of
India's most celebrated artists, dancers, musicians and theatre
personalities reside here too.
Rich in terms of cultural centres, museums, auditoria and cinema
houses, Delhi sparkles and delights, winter or summer. Art enthusiasts
should try to time their visit to coincide with the cultural season
which picks up in August and fades out by April.
Delhi has always been a great centre for performing arts. It even
boasts of its own gharana (family tradition) of music. Theatre and
cinema are becoming increasingly popular. Music festivals, dance
recitals, art exhibitions, theatre and cinema are no longer confined to
a few connoisseurs - the milling crowds that throng these events tell
their own tale.
