From wedding shoppers to food enthusiasts, Chandni Chowk is jam-packed with people. The clutter and the chaos here can’t even keep away the foreign tourists who can often be seen strolling here, one of the busiest markets in the world.
Food, delicacies, and sweets of more than 1,000 kinds. Tons of sarees and fabric, ranging from chikan to zari. This market has it all. Narrow lanes host shops that sell books, clothing, electronics, consumer goods, shoes, and leather goods. And how one can miss the jalebis, the local delicacy?
Several remarkable buildings surround the area. These include the Jama Masjid, the Red Fort, Sri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir, Gauri Shankar Temple, Central Baptist Church, Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib, and Fatehpuri Masjid. Canals once divided the market to reflect the moonlight.
We are talking about Chandni Chowk, the oldest and busiest market in Old Delhi. It is still one of India’s largest wholesale markets.
However, in the last many decades no one had ever imagined that the place can be as beautiful as it looks today. Thanks to the Delhi government, this historic place has got a much-needed makeover.
The beautification of Chandni Chowk will not only help the bazaar flourish, but it will also help the iconic market become one of the main tourist attractions in India.
Walter J. Lindner visits Chandi Chowk
German Ambassador to India, Walter J. Lindner, on Friday visited the newly developed Chandni Chowk and he showered his praise on Delhi authorities. He also shared a video of Chandni Chowk’s facelift.
“Do you recognize this walkway?” he tweeted.
Pedestrianisation and beautification project
The Delhi government took up this ambitious project of beautification and pedestrianisation of Chandni Chowk in October 2019. It will be completed by October-end 2020 and may open for the public in the first week of November. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal reviewed the ongoing work at the heritage market last month.
“Chandni Chowk is a historical place and it has been there for ages. The historical glory of the area will be brought back through the beautification of the area. This will be a non-motorized vehicle area from 9 am to 9 pm,” the Chief Minister said.
We can’t keep calm till this finishes and Delhi adds another feather to its cap. Even more reason to enjoy the Old Delhi charm in Chandni Chowk’s new look!
