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Chandni Chowk

Chandni chowk is one of the oldest and the busiest markets of Old Delhi. The name is derived from a Urdu word and actually means the moonlit market. It was a part of the legacy of the Old Delhi and still retains its rustic charm.

History of Chandni Chowk Market

chandni chowk lanes
Chandni chowk was built in the 17th century under the guidance of the great Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. The famous market was designed by Shah Jahan’s daughter Jahan Ara. 

Even till date it remains one of India’s largest wholesale markets. This densely populated market has become an indispensable part of Delhi and has been adding colours to the culture and traditions of Delhi for more than three centuries now.

During the reign of Shah Jahan the market place for famous for its silver merchants and some historians believe that the market got its name from here.  Silver is called chandi in Hindi thus the modification to chandni chowk. The market was given a square shape and at the center was a pool which was meant to reflect moonlight. That’s where the market got its name – the moonlit market or the moonlit square.

At that time the market was divided by canals which were a part of the water supply scheme. These canals are now closed.

The area was divided into three sections –
  1. Lahore Gate to Chowk Kotwali – also known as the Urdu Bazar
  2. Chowk Kotwali to Chandni Chowk – also known as Johri Bazar
  3. Chandni Chowk to Fatehpuri Mosque – also known as Fatehpuri Bazar

Chandni Chowk Food

Great cuisine has always been a part of the Mughal culture. Old Delhi has always been known for its mouth-watering food. When we talk about great food Chandni Chowk shall always win hands down. Be it the traditional non vegetarian dishes or the sweets you shall be on a unique culinary experience when you visit chandni chowk.

Chandni Chowk parathe wali gali is one of the most famous places till date. Some of the famous food joints are:
  • Natraj Dahi bhalle
  • Ghantewala halwai
  • The Jalebi Wala
  • Chaat wala
  • Chaina Ram Sindhi confectioners
  • Jung Bahdur Kachori wala
  • Ram Parshad Makhan Lal
  • Gianiji ka falooda

Paranthe Wali Gali

As the name suggests this is an entire lane that is dedicated to delicious paranthas. From the usual aallo, paneer to the exotic cashew and almond parantha this is heaven for foodies.  These shops have been there since ages and generation after generation they deliver great taste and quality service. They are fried in pure ghee and are served with raita, pickles and a wide variety of chutneys.

paranthe wale gali in Chandni chowkSome of the most famous shops are –
  • Pandit Devi Dayal’s shop
  • Kanwarji Bhagirathmal Dalbhajiwallah
  • Kanhiya Lal Durga Prasad’s Parantha shop
I am sure your mouth must be watering, so the next time you are around the area, do give your taste buds a one of its kind culinary experience.

Shopping and the bazars of Chandni Chowk

The entire market of Chandni chowk has been divided into smaller bazars that are famous for a particular category. 

The most famous ones are –
  1. Khari Baoli – spices, herbs, dry fruits
  2. Dariba Kalan – pearls, natural perfumes popularly known as ittars, gold and silver jewellery
  3. Moti bazar – shawls and pearls
  4. Tilak bazar – chemicals
  5. Kinari bazar – zari and zardosi patchworks, exquisite laces
  6. Katra Neel – cloth market (cotton, satin, silk, crepe and much more)
  7. Bhagirath Palace – electronics, medical equipment, allopathic medicines
  8. Nai Sarak – this is a book lover’s delight. It connects the main Chandni chowk to chawri bazar and has a plethora of shops that sell college and school books. nai sadak chandni chowk
The product categories that one can buy in Chandni Chowk are –
  • Electronics
  • Footwear
  • Apparels
  • Dry fruits and spices
  • Agricultural products
  • Automobile spare parts
  • Stationery products
  • Industrial supplies
  • Camera appliances
  • Gifts
  • Home appliances
  • Glass materials
  • Jewellery
  • Hardware
  • Computer repair and sales

Camera Market in Chandni Chowk

For all the photographers, professional or budding Chandni Chowk is a delightful place. Not many people are aware that there exists Asia’s largest camera market in Chandni chowk. Adorned with hundreds of shops the street is always buzzing with activity. It is a wholesale market and you get everything - tripods, filters, lenses, albums, batteries and more.

Saree and Lehnga Shopping in Chandni Chowk

From designer sarees to fancy dress materials and lehngas Chandni Chowk is one place that would totally mesmerize you. Since it is a wholesale market you would never fall short of choices. With a wide variety of designs, colors and the latest trends this is the place where designers pick up their stuff. Retailer from various parts of Delhi and the country flock this wholesale market to get good quality stuff and then sell it at much higher cost at retail shops.

Some of the well-known shops for sarees, dress materials, suits and lehngas are –
  • Chhabra 555
  • Meena Bazar
  • Saree Sangam
  • Saree Sansar
  • Kishan Chand and Sons
  • Gupta Sarees
  • Hare Krishna Textiles
  • Shree Bhawani Saree Bhandar
  • Shri Ram Sarnam Saree shop
  • Nazakat saree shop
These shops are scattered all around Chandni chowk and have been a part of the legacy that he area has.

How to Reach

One can easily reach chandni chowk by metro. The two stations that usually serve the area are Chandni Chowk, the underground station and Chawri Bazar.  Since the area is very densely populated and the lanes are very narrow, it is advised that you take public transport to avoid chaos.

The beauty of Chandni Chowk is such that even film makers could not resist themselves. It comes as a refreshing change from the urban lifestyle of malls and cafes that we regularly see.  It is a perfect blend of religion, traditions, a legacy that has been going on from generations and some customs that speak volume about what we are. Come and be a part of this celebration – celebration of life, of colors, of flavors and aromas. Chandni Chowk as, is and shall always be timeless.

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