Saturday, April 25, 2009

Chandni Chowk at Present

Busiest Shopping Area
Chandani Chowk is one of the busiest market areas in Delhi. People from all over India; come here to shop for various things available here. Kuchas and Galis in Chandani Chowk still reflect the historical culture. Culture of Chandani Chowk is unique in whole Delhi. Different lanes in Chandani Chowk are dedicated to different items like sarees, textile, jewellery, food items, and electrical goods. Like Parathewali Gali is known for its delicious Parathas and sweets, Dariba is known for Gold and silver jewelry, Nai Sarak is dedicated to books and stationery items. Baghrath Place in Chandani Chowk is a wholesale market of electrical goods. People, especially from north India, come here for their special shopping such as wedding shopping.

Chanadani Chowk:Religious Centre
Chandani Chowk is the good example of religious harmony in India. There you can see Gurudwaara, Temple, Jain Temple, and Mosque standing near to each others. In fact Gurudwara and temple are joined by wall to wall. These religious places include Jama Masjid, Digamber Jain Mandir, Gurudwara Shish Ganj, Gauri Shankar Mandir, Sunheri Masjid.

Eating Joints
Chandani Chowk is the favourite place for lovers of good and spicy food. This is the hub of fast foods like Tikkis, Jalebis, Samosa, Dahi Bhalle and other things.

So, while in Delhi, do make a point to visit Chandani Chowk, at least once. You will not find same kind of place, with so much energy, anywhere in the world.

Monday, April 13, 2009

The blend of Historial and Contemporary culture - Chandini Chowk

While on a Delhi tour, it is customary for most tourists to have a visit to Chandani Chowk. Noted among the oldest and the busiest markets in Delhi, Chandani Chaowk is located in the Central Delhi. Situated opposite to Red Fort, across the road, Chandani Chowk is among those places in Delhi which still reflect their historical character. Ruins of history can be seen in the still lively galis and kuchas in the Chandani Chowk. Old Delhi railway Station, Interstate Bus Terminus, Ajmeri Gate Sadar Bazar- all crowded areas are in close proximity of Chandani Chowk.

Historically speaking, Chandani Chowk was the idea of Jahanara, the darling daughter of Mughal emperor, Shahjahan. Chandani Chowk used to look like a shining paradise in the days of yore. In the walled city of Old Delhi, it was the main avenue opposite Red Fort. A canal used flow in the centre of the street which was used for the water supply needs of this area. The water flowing in the canal used to look like crystal when moon rays fell on it. Members of Royal family used to come here on evenings for a stroll. Chandani Chowk was divided into three sections. First section started from Lahori Darwaza to Chowk Kotwal. Then second part was from Chowk Kotwali to Chandani Chowk and the third section started from Chandani Chowk to Fatehpuri Masjid. In the centre of Chandani Chowk, there was a reflecting pool.

This was just small but interesting part of information about Chandani Chowk.
In the next section, we will talk about the present look of Chandani Chowk.