I often think of Rome, and the comment an Italian friend made when I was getting all excited to discover “Pompey’s theatre”. She wryly said, “there are ruins everywhere in Rome”.
We all like to take things for granted I guess. And it’s not difficult to find people in Delhi who’ve never been to Chandni Chowk. To most South Delhi people, it’s a culture shock. I think even my sister could not think beyond the smells.
But hey, since I am an ardent history & literature lover (besides being an angel & God…;))…I love the experience, every single time I am there.
It’s unclean, cluttered, full of people, colourful, historical, religious and everything else packed in seemingly small spaces. It’s attacks all the senses and has a charm which is very difficult to replicate. Stories unfold in each galli and kucha, and my heart yearns to go back to different time
s, the stones and buildings have been a witness to. It’s not surprising to notice a small dark alley and discover that we’re staring at Ghalib’s or even Razia Sultan’s grave. Ofcourse, as Indians, we do not care enough to even think of them as heritage, and sadly, it only shows. I feel, we should have karseva even for such monuments.
s, the stones and buildings have been a witness to. It’s not surprising to notice a small dark alley and discover that we’re staring at Ghalib’s or even Razia Sultan’s grave. Ofcourse, as Indians, we do not care enough to even think of them as heritage, and sadly, it only shows. I feel, we should have karseva even for such monuments.Strangely, Chandni Chowk and surrounding areas, feel like the most secular places I’ve ever been to. Gurudwara Sheesh Ganj, Jama masjid, a temple at every nook and corner, Jain temple, a church, it has them all within minutes of each other. They may even share backyards !
And, ya before all the malls and industries brought in the SEZs, Chandni chowk has its own to boast, so parathe wali galli, kinari market all have different functions. There is also a galli for perfumes (where they apparently make ittar from several Kgs of roses! ).
Definite treat for the weekend !
Someplace Else 
How i wish we could meet up the other weekend and explore Chandni Chowk 😦
It’d hv been awesome…let’s try and plan something ! 🙂
Why is it a cultural shock?
Arey cos “Oh my God this place smells so much, I am gonna puke, ewwww” ;)…Have you seen that “organic” aloo ad ? 😀
What? Haven’t these people ever been in India? 😛 😉
Ah well…as they say…looking London, talking Tokyo 😉
[…] I had forgotten that I was this person. I’ve always been attracted to local things from Chandni Chowk to Munich. But it was a bit harder in Germany, considering I could not put in more effort with the […]