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.