Delhi, the capital of India and the heart of the country, is a dashing and vibrant city. When volunteering in India, Delhi works as the gateway to the volunteers.
Delhi depicts the cultural and traditional diversity of India quite significantly, with people from different parts of the country residing in the region.
Being a metropolitan, and the capital city, Delhi can be a little expensive. And, while, there are cheap ways to explore Delhi, there are a few weekend activities for volunteers which they can enjoy without spending even a single penny.
Surprised!? The good news is, the above statement holds true, completely. Below are some of the most exciting things to do in Delhi… for free!
1. Explore the old lanes of Chandni Chowk
If you are one of those travelers who like to explore the authentic, unaltered, and traditional lifestyle of a city, then to find that in Delhi you need to start your expedition from the area of Chandni Chowk. One of the most prominent old delhi areas, which skillfully reflects the real facade of typical Delhi lifestyle. Explore the fine art work and craftsman, smell the aroma of fresh food, speak to the locals to understand the history of the city, and more.
2. Meditate at The Lotus temple
The seventh, and the last, of all Baha’i community temples in the world, Lotus temple is a prominent landmark of Delhi. Heavily popular for its meticulous architecture and quaint environment, Lotus Temple is one place you can visit if you are looking for solace. Following the rituals of Baha’i community, people of all religions are welcome to this premises. This is a very popular tourist attraction in Delhi and is burgeoned with visitors, especially, over weekends. But, don’t let that thwart your plans to be there.
3. Eat Langar at Bangla Saheb
Gurudwara Bangla Saheb is the religious shrine for people from the Sikh community. Just like the Lotus Temple, Bangla Saheb also provides a pristine and peaceful environment, even with hundreds of devotees present at one time. If you are familiar with the rituals of the Sikh community, you’d know that they follow the practice of providing free food (called ‘Langar’) to one and all. The same is practiced at Gurudwara Bangla Saheb, where you can enjoy freshly prepared free meal. Do not expect a gourmet meal, but the taste of the food will take you for an outstanding palate-trip.
4. Listen to qawwali at Hazrat Nizamuddin
Justifying the claim that Delhi reflects the cultural and traditional diversity of India quite significantly, here is another religious abode to enjoy a soulful offering in Delhi; Yes! For free. Nizamuddin Dargah is a worship place for the people from Muslim community. It is one of the most popular dargah, not just in the city, but the entire country. And, one factor that has helped significantly to popularize Hazrat Nizamuddin dargah is the fervent and passionate performance of folk singers. A group of folk artists provide amazing qawwali performance every Thursday evening at Nizamuddin dargah. Forget concerts, this is the real deal; and that too for free.
5. Change of Guard At President’s House
From centuries, the ceremony of changing guards has been a taking place at palaces, forts, and museums; The Buckingham Palace still witness it. In India, however, this event is put to use for a different purpose. Every saturday morning, a proud regiment of one of oldest army wings change guards at the President’s House. It started from 2012, and is open to public to witness. Visit the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President House) to see the pride and honor on the faces of our soldiers, and the people around as well.
6. Walk Through The Lush Gardens
It may seem unlikely, considering the rising infrastructures and pollution level, but Delhi still maintain the image of being one of the greenest cities of India. The entire city is marked with a number of parks and gardens for people to enjoy some fresh ambience amidst nature. Lodhi garden, Nehru Park, Sanjay Van (forest), Tau Devi lal, etc. are some of the most visited and famous gardens in Delhi.
7. Meet The Street Artists of ‘Kathputli’
There is an entire colony of artists in the old Delhi part of Shadipur Depot that has been a house to around 2800 families for over 50 years now. The colony, which is famously known as the ‘Kathputli Colony’ (Kathputli means Puppet), has various performers living in the area; including the likes of magicians, snake charmers, acrobats, singers, dancers, actors, traditional healers, musicians, and, most importantly, the puppeteers. This makes it the world’s largest community of street performers. A must visit!
8. Rahgiri
Having gained a lot of popularity already, Raahgiri in Delhi is all about promoting outdoor fitness activities. Practiced by a gamut of people every Sunday morning, Rahgiri is attended by people from all ages. Offering cycling, jogging, aerobics, Zumba, CrossTrain, dance classes, roller skating {and blading}, yoga, volleyball and badminton, all smack in the middle of Connaught Place (the center point of Delhi), this is the ultimate fitness camp you’ll score for free. The roads are car free, people are encouraged to cycle, cycles are rented for free, kids indulge in lot of physical activities, fitness groups organise sessions, band put up shows and what not. Fitness for free!
Volunteering abroad is one of the most affordable way to travel, but still has its cost. However, following these weekend activities in Delhi can certainly help exploring the city at no extra cost. So volunteering in India today, and enjoy these freebies in Delhi.
Why not get in touch at [email protected] and register your spot right away. India Calling!
