A Day Out In Chandni Chowk

The crowded by-lanes reek of history, which is what the charm of the area is all about. And the crown of Purani Dilli is the legendary“Chandni Chowk”.

Located opposite the Red Fort, with Jama Masjid in the vicinity, one of Delhi’s busiest, grandest and oldest shopping markets, “Chandni Chowk” was built in the 17th century, when Emperor Shahjahan shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi. It became the heart and soul of the commercial activities of the Moghul Empire and the legend continues till today.

The market was once divided by canals to reflect moonlight and that’s how it earned its name, ‘Chandni’ (Moonlight). Once famous for its fountains and shops, gradually the fountains of the chowk disappeared but the shops remained and continued to grow.

Apart from the grand historical background, Chandni Chowk has been highlighted in various Bollywood films like Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gam, Delhi-6 and Chandni Chowk to China. I made my first visit to Chandni Chowk, a walk around the crowded street. The market is far from the conventional air conditioned malls and gorgeous shops with plush interiors in posh markets yet its importance can be boasted. Even though Chandni Chowk appears choked with congestion, it retains its historical character. I felt like I had gone back in time, to an era which the mind had fabricated about the place on hearsay.

The market, divided in several by lanes, is flooded with vivid varieties of clothes, perfumes, electronic item, jewellers, sarees, idols of deities, furnishings and silverware. There are lots of narrow lanes with little margin to spare, selling books, stationary, clothing, shoes, leather goods, electronic goods and whatnot.

The market offers everything that shoppers might think to buy for embellishing oneself and home as well. So now, Explore some corner of Delhi’s Biggest Shopping Hub:-  

 

    · Paranthe Wali Gali: Probably  the first thing that   comes in mind  when you think about Chandni Chowk or Old Delhi, the Paranthe Wali Gali never fails to please your taste buds! This gali has many shops serving a huge variety of Paranthas with a Sabzi, Aloo, and various types of Achaars. There is also the Kulhad vaali Lassi to complement them perfectly!!!!!!!!...

    Highlights: Parantha shops that are centuries old
    Must haves: Paneer Parantha, Papad Parantha
    Cost for two: Rs. 250

    Cuisine: North Indian
    Address: Gali Paranthe Wali, Chandni Chowk

·  Khari Baoli: Spices are one of those things which India is famous for all over the world. The vast variety of spices that we use in our everyday life are something which seem very fascinating to most regions around the globe. The Khari Baoli market is a place where you will find all kinds of spices and herbs, nuts, dried fruits, etc. From usual to the most rare and exotic, there’s nothing you won’t find here. Head here for the kind of stuff that will make your taste buds experience something they never have before!

·   Kucha Choudhary Market: It's also called the Camera Market or the Photo Market, the Kucha Choudhary Market is Asia’s largest hub for selling cameras and related products. They deal in all kinds of cameras, from the vintage ones to the latest ones, from the regular ones to the best of professional cameras, DSLRs, Polaroids, camera essentials like bags, UV filters, lenses and lens cleaning kits, tripods, and just everything possible! That’s not all, they also do repairs. You won’t even have to bargain here as the prices are already so pocket-friendly.

   · Meena Bazaar: Meena Bazaar was established in 1970 by Suresh Manglani and Vishnu Manglani. This bazaar mostly serve to entertain women. In the earlier Mughal Era it was also known as Khus Ruz (Day of Joy). Meena Bazaar is situated between Jama Masjid Kalan and Dari. It is just below the stairs of the Jama Masjid mosque site is beautiful the mass market. Meena Bazaar is known for hosting the exotic shops. Shopping in Meena Bazaar is undoubtedly a unique experience. Most of the shops in Meena Bazaar represent magnificent handicrafts and tasty food. Goods are available at the reasonable price. Meena Bazaar is a special bazaar to sell items to raise money for charity and non-profit organization. It also refers to a number of modern day shopping centres and retail stores.

 · Wedding Shopping: Chandni Chowk needs no   introduction. The street offer a wide variety of shopping,   notably for all things weddings. Why I say wide variety   is because they can cater to all budgets and all types of  wishes and requests. They are heavily embroidered, subtle, bold colours, motifs – all of it is available and much more! After our trip earlier, where we found the top places to shop, we went back there to find more places that are part of that list. 

Here’s a consolidated list........... 

•     Ram Kishan Sarees- Shop No. 259, Katra Neel Rd, Pyare Lal, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi 110006 

•     Kamal Bhai Saree Sangam- 291, Katra Pyarelal Gali, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi 110006

•    Shrangar Designs-1220, Maliwara, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi 110006

•   Om Prakash Jawahar Lal- 354, 1st Floor, Naya Katra, Chandni Chowk Marg, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi 110006