Dehradun is a part of Garhwal region, therefore the local customs of the Garhwali people have had a great influence on its culture. Garhwali and Hindi are the primary languages spoken in this state. Other languages spoken in this region are Punjabi, English, Gorkhali and Kumaoni. There are people from differing religions and backgrounds residing here. After becoming the capital of Uttarakhand in 2000, there has been continuous growth in education, communication and transport. As the state capital, Dehradun is home to many government institutions. Dehradun is also renowned all over India for its quality education institutions.

There are fairs (melas) throughout the year. Notable fairs include Magh Mela, held on the 14 January and Jhanda Mela in March, a fair for the Hindu community that attracts Hindus from all over India and abroad. There are different religions followed in this state and they are Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Gorkhali etc. Sikhismis prominent religion in Dehradun with over 25% population representing Sikhs. The Sikhs are prominent in Racecourse, Vasant Vihar, Dalanwala and other areas of the town. Buddhist are prominently in Tibetian Colony Sahastradhara, Tapovan, Rajpur, and Clemen town and other areas. The Gorkhali’s Prominent in Nehrugram, Raipur, Kaulaghar, Dhakra and many other places.

Dehradun has many beautiful old buildings. After Dehradun was made the capital of Uttarakhand there was a construction boom, especially in residential property. Modern buildings have gradually supplanted older architectural styles including those related to the British colonial rule of India. Important older buildings include Clock Tower, Forest Research Institute, Morrison Memorial Church, Inamullah Building, Jama Masjid, Osho Meditation Center, Indian Military Academy and Darbar Sahib, Shiv Mandir mussoorie road.

Shiv Mandir

Holi is Hindus festival, celebrated in all over India. Holi is also known as festival of colors and celebrated every year, on the full moon of Phalgun mass, comes in march. Holi is celebrates the victory of good over bad. Holi remove all boundaries of caste and people of every religion celebrates it.

Jhande Ji Mela

Darbar Sahib hoists the ceremony of Jhande Ji which was performed amid special rituals in Dehradun. The Jhande Ji is hoisted every year on the fifth day of holi festival. Jhande mela is celebrated to commemorate the birthday of the great sage of Udaseen sect. Shri Guru Ram Rai Ji Maharaj.

Eid in Jama Masjid

Eid-al-fitr also called as Feast of Breaking the Fast, the Sugar Feast, Bayram (Bajram), the Sweet Festival and the Lesser Eid, is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting (sawm).

The largest profession in Dehradun is agriculture, and there are large numbers of people in the military, businesses or education. Staple foods are rice and dal with raita, curd and salad. Dehradun is known for its lychees and basmati rice.

Tourist destinations include the Tapkeshwar temple, Malsi Deer Park, Kalanga monument, Laxman Siddh, Chandrabani, Guchhupani, Forest Research Institute, Tapovan, Santala Devi temple and Wadia Institute.
The tourist destinations in Dehradun can be divided into four or five areas: nature, sports, sanctuary, museums and institutions. The nearby hill stations are well known for their natural beauty,[16] temples for its faith dimensions, sanctuary for animal and bird lovers. Hill stations include Mussoorie, Sahastradhara, Chakrata, and Dakpathar. Famous temples Tapkeshwar, Lakhamandal and Santala Devi are located here.