Old Delhi (Purani Dilli) Charm’s – The Vibrant Chandni Chowk
Purani Dilli or old Delhi is a historic center in Delhi, India. The Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the late 17th century founded it. Old Delhi with its vibrant market and a blend of many historical and cultural things for people who wants a fusion of history, cultural and trade or commerce Chandni Chowk is the best suggested place one can visit.
Chandni Chowk meaning Moonlight square market is designed by the Mughal emperor for his wife (begums) and his daughters to fulfill all their necessary needs and to shop each and everything from this market.
The market is named Chandni Chowk because when so ever there is a full moon the moonlight shines across the entire Market (Bazar) which was visible from Red Fort (Lal Qila) all the way to Fatehpuri. Later, people from Iran, Iraq and many other countries come here and sell their products and the begums and the daughters used to buy them .
This is how trading of goods begin in the market. There was once a bazar named as Anarkali Bazar that later on became a part of Chandni chowk itself.
Walking through the narrow lanes of the market it feels like we are stepping into the old vibes that how the market used to be there in the late 17th century, as there are many shops that is lined up by the narrow lanes and every shop has its own uniqueness and a touch of old.
There are many shops starting from selling spices to the shops selling toys, sweets, lights or textiles and much more. Chandni Chowk provides us a mixed essence of Delhi’s past and present experience. The market is filled with enthusiasm despite of the chaos and crowded paths.
Every Morning the tempting aroma enhances the pleasure of having a cup of hot tea with some mixed pakoras for the breakfast while reading the newspaper.
Chandni Chowk – Navigating The Historic Landmarks And The Market Place
The first historic place to visit is Red Fort also known as Lal Qila. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Delhi’s famous tourist attraction, which was built by Shah Jahan and later on he decided to shift their capital from Agra to Delhi. It became the residence of the Mughal Emperor for over years.
Shah Jahan designed a market under the roof which is now presently called as “Chatta Chowk Bazar” , meaning a covered or roofed market as it was suitable for the hot climate of Delhi.
The most famous and the largest mosque is Jama Masjid which was also built by Shah Jahan in 1650, near to other religious shrines so as to belong multiple religions.
The oldest and the very known Jain Temple is located in Chandni Chowk which is Sri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir, it was built in 1656. The temple is known for its veterinary Hospital, the Jain Birds Hospital. Nearby temples include Gauri Shankar Temple and Naya Mandir. Gauri Shankar temple was built next to the Lal Mandir in 1761 by a Maratha Brahmin.
The Most famous and important Sikh Shrine in Chandni Chowk, Delhi is Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib. It is one of the Nine Historical Gurdwaras in Delhi. Built by Baghel Singh as a small shrine in 1783.
The Central Baptist Church was established in 1814 and it is also known as “Mother Church” as it has raised several leaders or preachers.
As we enter the narrow lanes (galiyan’s) we are welcomed the aroma of spices, the vibrant and lively sounds and lights with endless experience.
The market which is famous for spices is Khari Baoli . It is Asia’s largest spice market and was established in the 17th century, as you enter the air of that specific area is filled with the aroma of spices, dry fruits, herbs and many more. Today this market gives us a glimpse of our rich traditional culinary tradition.
Nearby to this there is a Textile Market known as Katra Neel Market here you will find all kinds of fabrics from cotton to silk, brocade, georgette, satin etc. This market is a hub for all those people who is in love with experimenting their fashion style and to stich a product from scratch and also you can buy designer’s suits, lehengas etc.
Kinnari Bazar and Chawari Bazar is a very famous market to get all kinds of wedding decoration things like cards, fancy varmalas and many more decorative items.
The market which is famous for jewelry from earrings, necklaces, bangles etc. known as Dariba Kalan and is famous for silver jewelry’s and you can also get silver utensils at affordable prices.
Bhagirath Palace a market is famous for all kinds of lights, chandeliers, lamps, hanging lights etc. Formerly this was the palace of Begum Samru.
Chandni Chowk is not only for historic places or markets is also a array of special and traditional Indian eating joints. The very famous and oldest is the Paranthe Wali Gali which is famous for their stuffed parathas in many varieties. this was established in 1870’s in the narrow lane of the market.
Bhagat Ram is oldest and was established in 1950’s where it was famous for their Indian sweets like jalebi and now also famous for chole bhature, kachoris.
Another famous and old shop of sweets is China Ram since 1957 which is very much known for its special Ghewars.
When you walk around the streets of Chandni Chowk you will see many Chaat Corners and the one which is famous – Natraj Dahi Balle since 1940s, is one o the most known shop and Lala Babu Chaat Bhandar is a must visit for the Chaat lovers as it is very authentic, many eatery shops each having a royal or some different kind of taste, also there are very small shops of tea or Bread pakoras where you can have your tea to relax and freshen up your mind.
Chandni Chowk gives you a taste of both history and excitement. Next time you’re in Delhi, take some time to dive into the heart of Chandni Chowk. Enjoy its unique charm, tasty food, and fascinating stories.
As the saying goes, “old is gold,” and Chandni Chowk is a perfect example of this.
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