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The Legendary Dilli 6 Is A Piece Of History That Is Preserved And Loved For Its Originality

sodelhi
So Delhi 5 Nov 2019

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Chandni Chowk, the name itself is enough to bring a smile on any Delhiite's face. The Bazaar here is one of the oldest Bazaars found in India today. Some shops are known to have sustained themselves for over centuries having been passed down from one generation to another. This congested locality in Old Delhi is one of the most iconic places found on the Delhi map.

A Piece of History

Built in the 15th Century by the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan, Chandni Chowk was colloquially named after a water canal that was situated here, whose water shimmered like silver due to the reflection of the moon. The legendary Meena Bazaar was also initiated here. Neither the canal nor Meena Bazaar exists anymore, however, the legacy of the market remains intact. It is perhaps the only market in India where one can shop & eat in the shades of awe-inspiring architectural marvels. 

Forever Buzzing

Chandni Chowk is always buzzing at any given time of the day. Be it a monotonous weekday or a frivolous weekend, hordes of people visit this place due to the sheer options it provides. You have the magnificent Jama Masjid & the grand Red Fort at either end of the market. Then there’s the 200-Yr old renowned Paranthe Wali Gali where one can indulge in all kinds of Paranthas. The scrumptious Dahi Bhalla at Natraj is a hit & so is the delectable Mughlai food at Karim’s (a must visit), near Jama Masjid. There’s also a Haldirams and a Ghantewala (for Indian sweets). 

It’s not just the food which defines this place, it’s the heritage one gets to witness amongst all the chaos. Dart across the by-lanes of Dariba Kalan for ethnic artificial jewellery or Kinari Bazaar for buying wedding cards. The best part is that you can find a century-old conventional Halwai (sweets cook) shop situated right next to a modern looking McDonalds! The entire place resembles a perfectly imperfect labyrinth which never ceases to amaze you.

Other Bazaars

Be it shopping for your wedding cards or a bridal attire, buying something as trivial as a key chain or on the other hand expensive jewellery, one can vouch for this market as ‘the place-to-go-to’. You have major Bazaars like the Sadar Bazaar, Chawri Bazaar which are purely wholesale markets & Nai Sarak (a paradise for bookworms) adjacent to this iconic landmark. One can also enjoy a Tonga/rickshaw ride which is extremely useful for moving around in this narrow area.

There are many places of worship for people of different faiths. Sis Ganj Gurudwara, Christian Central Baptist Church & Digambar Jain Lal Temple are found next to each other. There’s also the old Gauri Shankar Temple in the vicinity - a heritage extravaganza.

All in all, Chandni Chowk is not just for a glutton or a shopaholic, but is all encompassing as it offers tremendous little pleasures for kids & adults alike; a place not to be missed at any cost. A word of warning, though: watch out for pick pockets, remain aware of your surroundings at all times & be prepared to explore the market on foot preferably accompanied by a local. Be rest assured, to have a day well spent!

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