Our hearts beat for diversity, say Delhiites

The findings of the survey being published today delve into what it is about Delhi that makes Dilliwallahs’ dils go crazy. Sushmita Bose elaborates.

We love Delhi. That we’ve already established. The findings of the survey being published today delved into what it is about Delhi that makes Dilliwallahs’ dils go mmmmmm… Let’s cut to the chase: what makes India’s capital ‘special’? Lifestyle scored big at 39 per cent — but there was a fair mix of other constituents: a sense of history (28%), culture and attitudes (18%) and people (15%).

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While chhola bhature (35% thought it was the food that’s typically Delhi) and chaats (at 32%) had Delhiites licking their fingers, butter chicken and dal makhni figured on the menu too. Popping in gol gappas is what a lot of people would like to do when they are thinking (and digging into) street food (at 27%, this came up top of the pops in the favourite street food segment).

Although shopping figures high in the lifestyle quotient, the survey also reveals that getting bargain deals is something everyone would like shop for! Delhi's fashion street Sarojini Nagar is the scene-stealer: why are we not surprised?

It’s chak de Shah Rukh Khan when it comes to Delhiites who’ve made us proud, and why not considering going to the movies is the city’s favourite pastime (38%)? When it comes to music, Bollywood-ishtyle music (45%) rocks much more than rock ‘n’ roll (21% — and the second most popular kind of music).

Taking the cue from the lifestyle quotient, shopping is the second-favourite pastime; giving shopping close company in the pastime segment is eating out and travelling. And if you thought the reading habit is dying fast, well, it isn’t — in Delhi at least!

What does it say about a city where its people eagerly wait for the India International Trade Fair to unlock its gate of business opportunities, where no one has qualms about rolling back their sleeves and tucking into gol-gappas at a pavement kiosk, where one still has time to read and catch up with friends — and where history is not a subject that's taught in school, but a way of life?

That it has time, space and inclination for a bit of everything, right?

Right! That's Delhi for you: a great melting pot, a fusion of cultures, people and attitudes.

Dear readers, over the next few weeks, stay with us as HT walks alongside Delhiites and finds out what makes them tick.

Enjoy the ride as we take you down the mohallas, the gullis and the flyovers.

Most importantly, keep talking to us while enjoying the diversity.