Chandni Chowk - Delhi

Chandni Chowk is the one of the most popular and crowed bazaars in Delhi. It was mainly started by Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan since he was an art lover. He is the same emperor who had fabricated world legendary Taj Mahal, Red Fort and Jama Masjid.

The past of this bazaars appraisals back to the time of Shah Jahan's daughter- Jahanara Begum who got the market developed. The name of this bazaars is fetched from Hindi words, which mean 'the reflection of moonlight on the pool water positioned in one of the street of the Chandni Chowk.

The market is located on the long street starting from Red Fort (was residence of the Mughal emperor) to the end of Fatehpuri Masjid. This market is 2 kilo meter long. Shoppers from all over the world come here for shopping as here they get wide variety of cloths and art and craft materials at very low price. A number of foreign tourists can be seen in the market throughout the year.    

Travelers can view holy places, monuments and eateries in Chandni Chowk. It is not only known of being a famous bazaar but also for its history. It had been a Centre for Indian freedom struggle era throughout British emperor period. A number of Bollywood movies and TV programs have been shot at this market because of its fame and reputation.

Just like every traditional building has some interesting story, Chandni Chowk also have some. For example, there is dessert shop named “Ghante wala” that was as old as Mughal Kingdom Era, and has a very interesting story. According to Its owner their ancestors named there shop after an interesting incident. During Mughal kingdom, Mughal procession once passed by their dessert shop and the Elephant of the emperor stopped because of dessert smell and the elephant started ringing bell hanging in his neck and was not ready to move forward. He moved only after eating plentiful of desserts.

One of the striking features of Chandni Chowk is that it faces Red Fort. Every year on 15th August (Independence Day), India’ prime minister delivers national speech from the Red Fort and this  custom has been followed from the year 1947, after independence when Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru gave his first speech.

At present, it become home of thousands of people. But, actually it is a market especially for ladies and children with hundreds of shops selling garments, art and craft materials, toys and variety of Indian food.  

Without any doubt it is the only most suitable bazar for domestic as well as international shoppers and travelers. If you are coming On Delhi trip or visiting to some of your relatives, you should experience shopping paradise at Chandni Chowk at least once. It will give you a wonderful experience.