Taste India! An amazing August in Delhi

5 delicious dishes, 5 special events and 7 sights not to be missed if you're in Delhi in August

Delhi is the capital of India and the month of August is a very important month for both India and Delhi. There are many festivals and events that take place in Delhi during this time. This month also marks the anniversary of India’s independence as India gained freedom from the colonial British Empire.

We just had a chat with our friend Harish Sharma from Smyle Inn, one of the friendliest hostels in Delhi and we asked him some advice about discovering Delhi in August and here are his precious tips about events, sights and food.

Let's start with a list of the most important events and festivals for August in Delhi:

1. INDIPENDENCE DAY
   India gained freedom from the British Empire on 15-Aug-1947. Every year this day is marked as a National Holiday and the Prime Minister of India addresses the nation from the famous Red Fort in Delhi. People spend this day with their families and friends.
   
   
2. KITE FLYING
   There is a tradition of Kite flying on the Independence Day in Delhi. It starts about a fortnight before and slows down post 15-Aug. Kite flying is more prevalent in the historical part of Delhi.
   
   
   
   
3. RAKSHA BANDHAN
   This is the festival where sisters tie a thread called RAKHI around the brother’s wrist and the brother promises to protect her. Gifts and sweets are exchanged on this festival. Lot of stores go on sales during this time and shops do brisk business.
   
   
4. JANAM ASHTAMI
   This day marks the birth of Lord Krishna. Hindus all over the country carry out processions. Temples are beautifully decorated and in particular the famous ISKCON Temple of the Hare Rama Hare Krishna fame. One must visit the ISKCON Temple to experience the grandeur of this occasion.
   
   
5. TEEJ FESTIVAL
   This festival is celebrated the entire Monsoon month as per Hindu calendar. The entire month a sweet called Ghewar is very popular. It is only available during this time and one must eat it in order to enjoy this rarely available sweet.

After the heat of summers, Delhi cools down in monsoons. August is a very pleasant month for sightseeing. Delhi has a known history of more than 2000 years, it was built and destroyed and rebuilt many times. There is something to see in every nook and corner of Delhi.

Here are the top 7 places that you must visit in Delhi:

1. RED FORT
   This is a famous fort built by the Mughal Empire. This monument is still used on the Independence Day by the Prime Minister of India to address the Nation. There is a daily sound and light show that is a must watch. It explains how this fort was built and the complete history behind it.
   
   
2. JAMA MASJID
   Very close to the Red fort, this is the largest mosque in Asia. Please wear modest clothes in order to enter the mosque.
   
   
3. HUMAYUN'S TOMB
   Great Mughal emperor was buried here. It is a UNESCO heritage site.
   
   
   
   
4. QUTUB MINAR
   Built in 1193, this tower is 72.5 meter tall and still stands strong despite many earthquakes. Built only with red sand stone this tower has stood the test of time despite adversities.
   
   
5. AKSHARDHAM TEMPLE / ISKCON TEMPLE / LOTUS TEMPLE
   These three are the most important temples which you must visit especially during the Janam Ashtami celebrations.
   
   
6. RAJ GHAT
   This memorial is dedicated to Mahatami Gandhi also referred to as the “Father of Nation”.
   
   
7. INDIA GATE
   War memorial built for Indian soldiers who lost their lives in the First World War.

India is known worldwide for the spices! How can any article about India miss out on the famous Indian food?

Here are some of the top food choices, especially this August:

1. GHEWAR: An Indian sweet available only during monsoon (July – August). Must try.
2. KEBAS / TIKKAS / CURRIES: Mughlai cuisine the world raves about.
3. CHAAT /TIKKI/ GOL GUPPA / CHOLE BHATURE / POORI: The famous Indian street food.
   
4. SAMOSA / KACHORI / PAKORAS: Are forms of finger foods. Tastes yummy on a rainy day.
5. JALEBI / RABRI / GULAB JAMUN: Indian sweets for all occasions.

What has been described above is merely a glimpse of what you can do in Delhi in August. There is no better place to start your journey in India than Delhi: it's a cultural melting pot of people from all parts of India! There are many hostels in Delhi to choose from, but if you are looking for something reliable in the heart of Delhi do try Smyle Inn as it provides you with central location, close proximity to train and metro stations with reliable and attentive staff. Last but not least they offer a 20% discount for HostelsClub.com Membership Card holders!