As an avid traveller, I have visited several cities and small towns across India. Our country is beautiful, vibrant, and multifaceted. But as someone living in Delhi, I strongly feel this city reflects our nation in many ways.
Delhi is called ‘Mini India’ because it has people from all over the country, welcomes foreigners, is an education hub, celebrates many festivals, and has a mix of different foods and languages. You can also find state houses and handicrafts from all around India here.
India is known worldwide for its rich culture, values, education, food, and politics. People speak multiple languages here. The wholehearted welcoming of outsiders makes India shine and Delhi is an accurate embodiment of these values.
Why Does Delhi Identify as Mini India
1. From Near or Far, Delhi Is Home to All
It is safe to call Delhi ‘Mini India’ as it reflects our beautiful and vibrant country within the city’s confines.
Delhi is home to people from diverse cultures and traditions who speak different languages and have distinct culinary practices.
Delhi, the capital city of India, is like the assimilation of all these cultures and traditions that a person witnesses across our country.
Most people from every state of our country have spent some time in Delhi or call it home.
Natives from different state have formed mini colonies and associations that help them stay connected to their food, culture, and traditions.
For example, South Delhi’s Chittaranjan Park (CR Park) is home to a significant chunk of Delhi’s Bengali population. It has four markets, numbered from 1 to 4 and all of them are a foodie’s paradise.
2. Delhi Reflects the Accepting Nature of India
Our country is very accepting of foreigners from around the world. We’re easily some of the least xenophobic people. Many find comfort here and, thus, lay their roots in this city.
Delhi is one of those regions of our country that truly has accepted anyone and everyone and has helped them make this city their new home.
Thousands migrate here yearly from different parts of India and neighbouring countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Nepal.
A lot of refugees from Pakistan chose to move to Delhi after the partition in 1947. Delhi has also been a sanctuary for persecuted minorities from various countries, such as the Tibetans.
This city and its people have embraced them all with open arms, and in return, they have enriched Delhi’s culture with their unique traditions, values, and culinary heritage.
Majnu ka Tilla, or MT, is the Tibetan settlement colony officially known as New Aruna Nagar.
3. Delhi Celebrates All Indian Festivals With Fanfare
Delhi enjoys several festivals celebrated in different parts of the country with tremendous zeal and enthusiasm.
For example, a Bengali living in Delhi won’t miss the Durga Puja pandal hopping experience, as numerous pandals are set up throughout the city during Navratri.
It might not compare to Kolkata or other parts of West Bengal, but it will not let you miss out on the experience.
Another example is Onam Sadhya, available in many restaurants across the city and is a feast one must attend.
Some of my personal favourites are:
- Mahabelly in Saket
- Padmanabham in Kailash Colony
The celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi is also picking pace in the city, emulating what all happens in Maharashtra, but on a small scale. Religion is not an issue in Delhi.
Like Diwali and Holi, Eid, Guru Nanak Gurpurab, and Christmas are also celebrated wholeheartedly here.
Restaurants offer special menus, discounts, offers, and deals to mark the occasion. Markets come alive during all major festivals, and people celebrate to the fullest.
4. Students from All Over India Come to Delhi
India has some of the best educational institutes in the world, some of which are in Delhi. These institutes foster a diverse student body, welcoming students from all corners of India and even from abroad.
These premier institutions see tough competition among students. Some of the best minds in our country become a part of these.
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, Delhi College of Engineering (DCE), and the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA) are a few of the educational giants in the city.
Delhi University also boasts of some of the best colleges in the country. Some examples are St. Stephen’s, Miranda House, Hindu College, Lady Shri Ram College, and Shri Ram College of Commerce.
5. A Political Hub Representing the Indian States
Politics is a big part of India’s identity. And Delhi is the seat of power.
The central government operates from Delhi, which has given Delhi some of its iconic buildings, like Rashtrapati Bhavan and the Parliament, among others.
Several Members of the Parliament (MPs) reside in the city.
Delhi garners global attention on patriotic occasions like Republic Day due to its Kartavya Path (formerly known as Rajpath) parade and Independence Day because of the tradition of the Indian prime minister unfurling the tricolour at the Red Fort and giving a speech.
States houses of several states of India are also present in Delhi. A delegation from a particular state can stay in these when travelling to Delhi for official reasons.
6. Diversity in Languages Makes Delhi Mini India
India, a land of unique linguistic diversity, does not have an official language.
However, the language that connects the majority of its people is Hindi, spoken and understood by many across the country, including in Delhi.
However, you will find people speaking several other Indian languages.
Due to people from other states residing in Delhi, other languages spoken prominently are Punjabi, Bangla (Bengali), Haryanavi, Bhojpuri, Tamil, Malayalam, and Urdu.
English is also commonly spoken and used for both official and informal communication.
7. Delhi Offers a Taste of Every State
India is quite famous across the world due to its cuisine. There is plenty of variety, something for every taste and palate.
Suppose you are someone staying away from home or a traveller looking to try the cuisines of other parts of India without having to travel there. In that case, Delhi is the place to be.
The several state houses in the city each have their canteen. These canteens offer authentic cuisine of that particular state.
You can start your day with breakfast at the Maharashtra Sadan and lunch at Potbelly (Bihar Niwas). If you can make space for dinner, go to the Andhra Bhawan to have authentic Hyderabadi Biryani.
On other days, visit the Chittaranjan Park area to dig deep into the Bengali cuisine or eat at Southern-themed restaurants like Udupi and Sagar Ratna, which can be found all over Delhi.
8. Handicrafts of Several States Are Available in Delhi
When people travel to India, there is no shortage of souvenirs to take back with them. India is home to some of the best artisans in the world.
These handicrafts and handlooms of different states are all available in Delhi.
You can check out my article on souvenirs to take back from your Delhi trip to ensure that the memories of your visit to Delhi never fade away!
Emporiums on Baba Kharak Singh Marg
The handicrafts in these state emporiums are authentic, unique to each state, and sourced from the native artisans of that state. Most of these handicraft stores are run by local governments.
These state-run handloom and handicraft stores are in Connaught Place (State Emporia Building, Baba Kharak Singh Marg).
Compared to other markets in Delhi, superior quality handicrafts and handlooms are available here despite the price being a bit on the uppish side.
But you can be sure you’re not being scammed and getting what you’re paying for.
Phulkari from Punjab, Madhubani sarees and suits from Bihar, and Coir handicrafts from Kerala are some items available in these stores.
These are the perfect places for purchasing unique gifts for special occasions.
Timings: 10:30 am to 6:30 pm. Closed on Sundays.
Nearest Metro Stations: Shivaji Stadium (Airport Express – Orange Line), Rajiv Chowk (Yellow and Blue Line)
Dilli Haat
Dilli Haat, or Delhi Haat, is another place that is a perfect assimilation of all states of India. Famous and authentic handicrafts and handlooms from different parts of the country are also available here.
Plus, there’s remarkable variety. Unlike the state emporiums, you can bargain to your heart’s content here.
I purchased the cushion covers in my living room from a stall in Dilli Haat selling Kashmiri goods.
The superior quality and authentic Kashmiri work let me enjoy the work of the valley artisans without travelling to Kashmir.
Travel to Dilli Haat to try cuisines from other states. Whether you’re craving Northeastern cuisine or a taste of Gujarat, you’ll find it all here in Dilli Haat.
The Sikkim and Arunachal stalls are my all time favourites.
Nearest Metro Station: Dilli Haat-INA (Yellow Line)
Timings: 10:30 am to 10:00 pm
Entry Ticket Prices: ₹30/- for Indian adults, ₹20/- for Indian children, and ₹100/- for all foreigners.
