Chandni Chowk is one of the largest bazaars in Asia and one of the most the most authentic enclave of Delhi. It is not only a landmark, it is a window to the historical past, an image of the present and a vision of the future.
The market was built by the Mughal emperor of India Shah Jahan, and was designed by his daughter Jahanara. In the past the market was divided by canals which reflected the moonlight.
History of Chandni Chowk
The beginnings of the market in the capital of the Mughal empire
The history of Chandi Chowk dates back to the year 1650 when Emperor Shah Jahan founded the city of Shahjahanabad. Chandni Chowk which literally means "the moonlight square", was the bazaar of the new capital of the Mughal Empire. This market was designed and created by the emperor's favorite daughter andIt was the site of the Jahanara princess, and covered the space from the western entrance of the Red Fort to the Fatehpuri mosque.
At that time the name Chandni Chowk referred to only one of the bazaar's squares, which had an ornamental pond reflecting the moonlight,hence its name. In its original design the bazaar was square in shape and the stores were built in a crescent shape, it also had a shallow water channel coming from the Yamuna River and trees on both sides of the streets. The streets that formed the bazaar were quite wide and the market was divided into three zones:
- Urdu Bazaar: occupied the space between the Lahori Gate and the Kotwali Chowk, this was the area closest to the emperor's residence.
- Johri Bazar: was going from Chowk Kotwali to Chandni Chowk Square.
- Fatehpuri Bazar: was located between the Chandni Chowk square and the Fatehpuri Masjid mosque
During the times of splendor and glory of the empire, the bazaar became the largest market in India, with a total of 1560 stores. It was very famous for its silver traders, and coincidentally or not, this noble metal is known in Hindi as Chandi, does it have something to do with the name of the market?
The bazaar Chandni Chowk at the present time
Today it is known as Chandni Chowk to the bazaar and is also named after the street that runs through the old city, from the Lahori Gate of the Red Fort to the Fatehpuri Mosque. It has become a narrow and extremely crowded street but despite having changed a lot, still houses many historical monuments of the time and remains one of the largest wholesale markets in Asia.
The market is organized and grouped according to themes and they are very diverse. The Kinari bazaar is the area where all the wedding tents are located, both sarees, ornaments and decorations. At Chawri bazaar There are all the stores that offer stationery, brass, copper, etc. The Khari Baoli,is the bazaar of spices and nuts and you can not miss it because it is the largest spice market in the world, yes yes as you hear! and besides this you will find jewelry, books, the street of tailors and products of all kinds ... the variety is immense.
Visit the Chandni Chowk
The visit to Chandni Chowk is a must if you are in Delhi. I consider that this bazaar is at the heart of the country's capital and the place where you will discover the most authentic India. A labyrinth of narrow streets where the most archaic past coexists with the most innovative present. An organized chaos in which curiously everything flows. The noise is incessant, the traffic is overwhelming and let me tell you that it is not a very normal traffic because it is not a very normal traffic, rickshaws, cars, ox carts and horse-drawn carts cross the same streets, not to mention the motorcycles that are everywhere...and all of it adrift and without a skipper.
An enclave where mosques, Hindu and Jain temples and even a church dating back to 1814 coexist. A melting pot of religions, cultures and traditions that will leave you stunned or what I call an overstimulation of the senses. And you know what? Chandni Chowk is my favorite place to visit in Delhi because in the disorder and chaos I see the beauty of simplicity and the coexistence of diversity.
Food at Chandni Chowk
Old Delhi is a foodie's paradise. There are plenty of street stalls where you can taste the country with its most popular dishes. If you are in the capital of India you can't miss the restaurant "Karim's" where its motto is "serving royal or palace food to the common people."It has been open since 1913 and its founder was the son of one of the cooks of the royal court of the Mughal emperor years ago. It is located in front of the Jama Masjid Gate No. 1 and one of its star dishes is the "Aloo Gosht", a lamb curry that will make you travel in history through its flavor.
Another place that is well worth discovering is the "Ghantewala Halwai",has been sweetening the lives of the capital's inhabitants since 1970. It has the best Jalebis in town in addition to Laddoo, Falooda, Fruit Chaat and Bengali sweets. Many consider these treats the best on the planet...that said, I hope you don't skip this stop!
The "Parathe Waali Gali" is a narrow street where the protagonists are the delicious Paratas and you can find them of all kinds.
When to visit Chandni Chowk
Can be visited at any time of the year,however, I warn you that in the months of May to June in Delhi it is very hot and the humidity level is high so the visit to the bazaar can be a bit overwhelming.
Regarding the time of day, any time of day is good, although I recommend avoid hours of extreme heat. The Indians usually do their shopping very early in the morning, but no matter what time you go, this bazaar is always crowded 🙂
How to get to Chandni Chowk
To reach by metro: the nearest stations are Chandi Chowk and Chawri Bazaar (both on the yellow line).
How to get there by train: the nearest train station is Old Delhi. It is at a distance of 2.3km, it is best to take a tuk tuk or cab from there.
Another option is to take a cab or tuk tuk directly with the Ola Cabs App from your location.
Practical information
Schedule: stores are usually open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and closed on Sundays.
Price: is a free admission bazaar
What to bring: comfortable clothes and above all closed shoes, as you may receive some trampling and step on some cow poop...
Guided tour: you can book a walking tour or a rickshaw tour to make sure you don't miss a corner or detail
Tips: you should take special care with your backpack and belongings as they may disappear in the crowd.
I hope you enjoy Old Delhi and travel back in time to the glorious times of the Mughal Empire.
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