Delhi has been attracting the best of musicians, dancers and painters for centuries. This is natural because it has been the seat of power for many dynasties. The rulers were the patrons themselves. Today, a travel to Delhi will acquaint you with the fact that Delhi is a great center of art.

The "cultural season" of Delhi roughly corresponding to the period between October to March witnesses a many number of events take place in the fields of the visual and performing arts. The best of the performing arts representing the range of classical dance forms and schools of music from the length and breadth of India can be enjoyed at the Chamber Theatre at Triveni Kala Sagam, Kamani Auditorium, Sri Ram Centre, the India International Center, FICCI Auditorium, LTG Auditorium, Siri Fort, LTG Auditorium, and Pragati Maidan where Delhites can have the privilege of seeing, and listening to, the legendary gurus as well as their disciples.

Lovers of the music wait for the Dhrupad, Shankarlal, and Tansen Festivals in the months of February and March and the Vishnu Digamber Festival in August. These festivals are organized by Delhi Tourism.

Come October and enjoy the popular Qutub Festivals where musicians and dancers of repute present enthralling renditions with the Qutub Minar as the backdrop. Film buffs eagerly await the National Film Festivals and the bi-annual International Film Festival, held in January. Apart from commercial cinema houses, films are periodically screened at the Alliance Francaise, the Max Mueller Bhawan, the Russian Centre for Science and Cultural, the British Council Division, the Japan Cultural Centre, and the Hungarian Information Centre.

The presence of National School Of Drama in Delhi provides the city a constant impetus to the cause of theatre. The variety offered ranges from Hindi translations of European plays, to regional theatre, as well as folk forms. Delhi's several art galleries reflect the country's ever-growing art scene. Eminent and new artists from all over India exhibit their works in these galleries. Notices of exhibitions are given in daily newspapers and specific city magazines.

Delhi boasts a number of art galleries. Among the famous art galleries are Triveni Art Gallery, Art Heritage, Art Today, Sridharani Gallery, Eicher Gallery, Vadehra Art Gallery, Gallery 42, Gallery Escape, Dhoomi Mal Art Centre, LGT Gallery, Lalit Kala Akademi, Gallery Ganesha, AIFACS, Gallery steps, Max Mueller Photo Gallery, Gallery Romain Rolland, British Council Division Gallery, the Village Gallery, Khirkee Gallery and the American Centre.

Delhi has been a place where traditional crafts have long been practiced. The city was chiefly famous for its zari or embroidery in gold thread and silver and gold enameling. The Walled City is still home to the master-crafters in both crafts and also miniature painters.

Delhi is also home to wooden toy makes, fine potters, lacquer craftsmen and kite makers. In Old Delhi you can chance upon a traditional workshop. The wealth of Indian handicrafts can be enjoyed at the Crafts Museum at Pragati Maidan, at the State Emporia on Baba Kharak Singh Marg, and at Dilli Haat, which is popular venue of Delhi Tourism for crafts bazaars all round the year.

Delhi is also a shoppers' delight. Central Cottage Industries Emporium, Jawahar Vyapar Bhawan, Janpath. Popular and convenient multistorey government-run complex, with handicrafts, carpets, leather and reproduction miniatures at fixed (if fractionally high) rates. Jewellery ranges from tribal silver anklets to costume jewellery and precious stones.

Cottage of Arts and Jewels , 50 Hauz Khas Village. Appealing, unconventional mix with jewellery, curios and papier-mâché. But the best of Mrs Jain's collection, including miniatures and precious stones, is not on display: you'll have to ask to see it.