Chandni Chowk: The Heart of Delhi | Chai प्रेम : Chai | Travel | Stories

Credit: Google Image

Chandni Chowk was formerly India's most opulent market. It was designed  by Shah Jahan's daughter Jahanara and established  by the Mughal Emperor of India Shah Jahan in the 17th century. Old Delhi, India is one of the oldest and busiest markets. It is in close proximity to the Old Delhi Railway Station.

The origins of the name:

The original Chandni Chowk, a half-moon-shaped area in front of Municipal Townhall, had a moonlight water pool in front of it, and its reflection used to shine in it. Princess Jahanara Begum, Shah Jahan's favorite daughter, built and created Chandni Chowk, or the Moonlight Square, with its three Bazaars in 1650 CE. The bazaar was once 40 yards wide by 1,520 yards long, with 1,560 stores. The inclusion of a pool in the complex's center added beauty to the bazaar, which was built like a square. The water glistened in the moonlight, which was the source of its name. Originally, shops were erected in a half-moon shape, which has since been lost. The market was known for its silver merchants, which gave to the moniker "Silver Street", as silver is referred to in Hindi as Chandi, which is a small variation of Chandni.

The first three bazaars were:

Credit: Google Image

Originally, Chandni Chowk solely referred to the square with the reflecting pool. Chandani Chowk now refers to the entire straight route that runs through the heart of the walled city, from the Red Fort's Lahori Gate to Fatehpuri Masjid. Following that, the road was separated into three bazaars.

• Urdu Bazar
• Johri Bazar
• Fatehpuri Bazar

Chandni Chouwk's current status:

Credit: Google Image

Chandni Chowk is known for its authenticity and diversity of food, delicacies, and sweets, as well as chikan and zari sarees. Books, apparel, electronics, consumer items, shoes, and leather items are all sold in the narrow passageways. It is home to the original Haldiram's as well as brands like Giani's. The jalebis, which are cooked in pure ghee (clarified butter), are a distinctive local delicacy.

Restaurants and eating establishments

Credit: Google image

• Several well-known eateries and halwais can be found in Chandni Chowk (confectioners)
• Paranthewali Gali with paratha shops from 1875 to 1886.
• Annapurna Bhandar established in 1929 by Late Mr.Purna Chander Modak is popular for Bengali sweets.
• Bikaner Sweet Shop, known for rasmalai.
• Chaatwallah, established in 1923, known for fruit chaat.
• Chaina Ram Sindhi Halwai, established in 1948 serves besan ke laddoo, ghee patisa and ghevar like none in the city.
• Giani's, serving icecreams and Rabri Falooda, established around 1947.
• Gol Hatti, established in 1954, serves kullhad wale chhole chawal.
• Kanwarji Bhagirathmal Dalbijiwallah established in the mid-19th century.
• Meghraj and Sons, since the 1950s
• Natraj's Dahi Bhalle, established in 1940.

Chandni Chowk has also served as the backdrop for a number of well-known Bollywood films.

• Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham
• Chandni Chowk to China 4
• Rajma Chawal
• The Sky is Pink

Source: Wikipedia

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