<P> Delhi's association and geographic proximity to the capital, New Delhi, has amplified the importance of national events and holidays like Republic Day, Independence Day (15 August) and Gandhi Jayanti . On Independence Day, the Prime Minister addresses the nation from the Red Fort . Most Delhiites celebrate the day by flying kites, which are considered a symbol of freedom . The Republic Day Parade is a large cultural and military parade showcasing India's cultural diversity and military strength . Over the centuries, Delhi has become known for its composite culture, and a festival that symbolises this is the Phool Walon Ki Sair, which takes place in September . Flowers and pankhe--fans embroidered with flowers--are offered to the shrine of the 13th - century Sufi saint Khwaja Bakhtiyar Kaki and the Yogmaya temple, both situated in Mehrauli . </P> <P> Religious festivals include Diwali (the festival of lights), Mahavir Jayanti, Guru Nanak's Birthday, Raksha Bandhan, Durga Puja, Holi, Lohri, Chauth, Krishna Janmastami, Maha Shivratri, Eid ul - Fitr, Moharram and Buddha Jayanti . The Qutub Festival is a cultural event during which performances of musicians and dancers from all over India are showcased at night, with the Qutub Minar as a backdrop . Other events such as Kite Flying Festival, International Mango Festival and Vasant Panchami (the Spring Festival) are held every year in Delhi . The Auto Expo, Asia's largest auto show, is held in Delhi biennially . The New Delhi World Book Fair, held biennially at the Pragati Maidan, is the second - largest exhibition of books in the world . Delhi is often regarded as the "Book Capital" of India because of high readership . India International Trade Fair (IITF), organised by ITPO is the biggest cultural and shopping fair of Delhi which takes place in November each year and is visited by more than 15 lakh people . </P> <P> As India's national capital and centuries old Mughal capital, Delhi influenced the food habits of its residents and is where Mughlai cuisine originated . Along with Indian cuisine, a variety of international cuisines are popular among the residents . The dearth of food habits among the city's residents created a unique style of cooking which became popular throughout the world, with dishes such as Kebab, biryani, tandoori . The city's classic dishes include butter chicken, dal makhani, shahi paneer, aloo chaat, chaat, dahi bhalla, kachori, gol gappe, samosa, chole bhature, chole kulche, gulab jamun, jalebi and lassi . </P> <P> The fast living habits of Delhi's people has motivated the growth of street food outlets . A trend of dining at local dhabas is popular among the residents . High - profile restaurants have gained popularity in recent years, among the popular restaurants are the Karim Hotel, the Punjab Grill and Bukhara . The Gali Paranthe Wali (the street of fried bread) is a street in Chandni Chowk particularly for food eateries since the 1870s . Almost the entire street is occupied by fast food stalls or street vendors . It has nearly become a tradition that almost every prime minister of India has visited the street to eat paratha at least once . Other Indian cuisines are also available in this area even though the street specialises in north Indian food . </P>

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