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February’s biggest draw has always been Valentine’s Day. And what did you picture when I said that? Chocolates? Candlelit dinners? Heart-shaped boxes? Yep, all of the above. But then Pride shows up to remind us all that love doesn’t come in one format.
I repeat – it’s finally time for the Delhi Queer Pride Parade! The excitement’s high after the parade was rescheduled from November last year, which means 2025 passed by without the event. It’s also finally not unbearably cold outside, which in Delhi, feels like a minor miracle after an icy January.
The half-day event’s the biggest celebration of queer identity in the city, and is set to chart its usual course: a march from Connaught Place until Jantar Mantar. Organised by the Delhi Queer Pride community, the event grows bigger and better each year, but the march itself remains as high on energy as ever: folks in snatched outfits, painted faces, bearing slogans. And glitter everywhere.
Here’s everything you need to know:
When and where?
Allies should flock to Connaught Place by 11am latest on Sunday, February 8 (the parade is always held on a Sunday). Reach 20 minutes early if you want to avoid jostling through a really heavy crowd. This’ll also give you a chance to exit the metro station peacefully (if you’ve come by metro) and chit-chat with people before the march begins.
I do advise against getting a personal vehicle here. The best course is the metro – get down at Barakhamba Road (on the yellow line), and exit from Gate No. 3.
The route
The march extends from the Barakhamba Road metro station to Jantar Mantar via Leo Tolstoy Marg. If you’re coming with friends, decide on a meet-up spot beforehand. I’ve found that mobile networks tend to get spotty.
Who can join?
The parade’s open to absolutely everyone and is attended by people from across the country. Mainly, you’ll find members of the queer community, allies, and loads of students.
Planning the look
This is ABSOLUTELY the chance to pull out the clothes in your wardrobe that’ve never seen the sun. Corsets, shimmery crop tops, disco latex pants, perhaps even a rainbow-coloured lehenga. The rule is to go overboard – with your clothes, accessories, and makeup.
Should I carry anything?
You’re here to dance, march, and have fun, so there isn’t really any need for an unwieldy backpack. That said, bring along some water, and perhaps some art and makeup supplies for everyone to use (people at the parade usually run out).
The vibe
Unbeatable! A few thousand people under the winter sun, lovers holding hands, dhol beats to amp up the energy, sloganeering, banners and placards, and people painting each other’s faces. And a 15-metre rainbow flag collectively managed by the entire crowd in turns.
What to do when the parade ends?
Groups usually club together and make plans once the parade ends around 2pm. Folks head to some of the best bars and eateries in Connaught Place. The area’s full of things to do – explore Janpath Market for some thrifted finds or amble around Mandi House.
The history
It all began in 2008, when a few hundred people gathered in Central Delhi for the city’s first public pride parade. Back then, it was illegal to be queer in India, but now, the parade’s an official, fixed calendar event. It’s usually conducted in November – this year’s an exception.