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Delhi — host of Republic Day Parade

Festival · DELHI

Republic Day Parade.

January 26 · Delhi

Military parade on Rajpath. Cultural tableaux from every state. Breathtaking flypast. The nation's grandest spectacle.

Why it mattersThe biggest parade in India — if you can get a ticket.

Going for this? Delhi in January

NakshIQ score
3/10
Wait

January Delhi is cold, clear, and at its cultural peak. Temperatures range 4-20°C, morning fog blankets the monuments, and the city's performance season — music festivals, art exhibitions, literary events — runs at full throttle. This is when Delhi stops being a transit city and starts being a destination.

See the Delhi January guide →

Getting there

Elevation
216 m
Nearest airport
Indira Gandhi International
Nearest railway
New Delhi / Old Delhi

Live in Delhi

Where to stay in Delhi

  • Zostel Delhi

    ₹400-1000/bed or room
    guesthouse · Paharganj

    Clean oasis in Paharganj chaos. The rooftop common area is great for meeting travelers. Good WiFi, AC dorms (essential in Delhi), and a travel desk. Perfect for one night before catching a train to the hills. Don't judge by the neighborhood.

  • Delhi Heritage Walks

    ₹500-1500/person
    operator · Old Delhi

    The best walking tours in Old Delhi — Chandni Chowk, Jama Masjid area, spice markets. Small groups, knowledgeable historians as guides. They navigate the chaos so you can absorb it. The food walk version includes tastings at 6 legendary spots.

All stays in Delhi →

Where to eat

  • Khan Chacha

    Legendary
    Khan Market · ₹₹

    Signaturechicken tikka roll in roomali roti

    Order at the counter on the first floor and stand to eat — there's no real seating. The chicken tikka roll is the lunchtime default; mutton seekh holds up better for take-away.

  • Bikanervala

    Legendary
    Pitampura (ITL Twin Tower, NSP) · ₹

    Signaturerasmalai and bhujia

    Buy the namkeens fresh-fried at the counter (visible from the dining area) rather than packed; the difference in crunch is half the reason locals shop here. Sweets stay fresh 5-7 days at room temp.

  • Old Famous Jalebi Wala

    Legendary
    Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi · ₹

    Signaturedesi ghee jalebi

    Eat the jalebi standing at the counter while it's still dripping; carry-home boxes lose the snap within 20 minutes.

  • Gulati

    Legendary
    Pandara Road Market · ₹₹

    Signaturebutter chicken (5-time award winner)

    Order the butter chicken with rumali roti, not naan — the recipe was built for the thinner bread. The lunch buffet at ₹975 is the value entry; à la carte dinner runs double.

All eateries in Delhi →

What else to see in Delhi

  • Humayun's Tomb

    UNESCO World Heritage Mughal garden tomb (1570). Precursor to the Taj Mahal in architecture and design.

    monument
    1-2 hours

  • Jama Masjid

    India's largest mosque built by Shah Jahan in 1656. Can hold 25,000 worshippers. Climb minaret for views.

    monument
    1 hour

  • Chandni Chowk

    Asia's oldest and busiest market street (1650). Paranthas, jalebi, spices, electronics, and old Delhi charm.

    bazaar
    2-3 hours

  • Raj Ghat

    Mahatma Gandhi's cremation site. Simple black marble platform with eternal flame in serene gardens.

    monument
    30 min

  • Lodhi Gardens

    Historic park with 15th-century Sayyid and Lodhi dynasty tombs. Popular jogging and picnic spot.

    garden
    1-2 hours

Other festivals in January, elsewhere

See every festival in January →

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