If you have visited the Delhi Pavillion of India International Trade Fair, 2021 you would have seen an impression of the refurbished Chandni Chowk. Chandni Chowk, Delhi was built in the 17^th century by Emperor Shah Jahan. Chandni Chowk has drawn travelers from all over the world virtually since then.

The trend continues till date. Chandi Chowk in Old Delhi is like the grand dame attracting tourists from all across the world. In fact, off and on, we find some reasons to visit Chandni Chowk and surrounding areas.

To boost tourism in this area, the Delhi Government took up a project to clean up Chandni Chowk and give Chandni Chowk a new look. In the first part of the project the stretch between Red Fort to Fatehpuri Mosque was taken up for redevelopment.

Who redeveloped Chandni Chowk?

The project vis-a-vis the redevelopment of Chandni Chowk was taken up by the Delhi Government under the aegis of the Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The exercise started in the year 2018 and took about 3 years to complete. After many delays on account of the corona pandemic, the new look of Chandni Chowk was inaugurated to the public by Mr. Kejriwal in September 2021.

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Chandni Chowk before and after

Legend has it that Chandni Chowk was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. His daughter Jahanara designed Chandi Chowk as a beautiful market area. Market areas were the hub of activities by tradition. Therefore, a good-looking market cloister or “chowk” was the talk of the town.

Over time, Chandni Chowk became the business district of Old Delhi. The many lanes and by-lanes are markets for different goods. For example, Dariba Kalan is the spot for antiques and ornaments, Khari Baoli is the largest spice market in Asia, Kinari Bazar is the spot for wedding shopping while Chawri Bazar is where you get your wedding cards printed. In modern times, Ballimaran has evolved as the spectacle market of Delhi and Nai Sadak is the place to go for books and stationery.

Moreover, we get to see a unique syncretic tradition in Chandni Chowk that is unparallel anywhere else in Delhi. A Hindu temple, Jain shrine, mosque, gurdwara, and church in Chandni Chowk co-exist in perfect harmony here.

The good news is that none of that has been tampered with while redesigning Chandi Chowk.

So far approximately an area of approximately 1.3 km has been revamped. The beautification efforts involve widening the pavements making these easier to walk, retiling these zones with stone tiles, and adding decorative plants to the surroundings. The untidy mess of wires hanging from the top has also been removed and this zone has become so much more picturesque now.  Entry of motor cars has been prohibited in this area from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. You can use cycle rickshaws if you want to navigate in this area.

Additionally, to assist foot-worn tourists and tired shoppers, red sandstone benches have been placed at the center. When we went on a Sunday evening, most of these benches were occupied by shoppers as well as curious people who had dropped by to see the revamped Chandni Chowk. We also bought tea from a nearby stall and sat on these benches just to soak in the experience.

What else at the new Chandni Chowk

We hear some very tasty news. The food shops in Chandni Chowk are apparently going to remain open for longer hours in the future. We can barely wait till this happens.

Chandni features in all tourist guides for the wide variety of old-style food, if nothing else. Given that historically Chandni Chowk was a business hub, people from all across India came and settled here. This led to a very eclectic culture that was reflected in the cuisine of Chandni Chowk.

Chandni Chowk became the proverbial melting pot for food especially different kinds of snacks, main course dishes, juices and shakes, and desserts. In particular, we are big fans of Parathewali Gully, a must-do in Delhi. Also, Karim’s and Qureshi near Jama Masjid are our go-to places for rumali roti and kebabs during the Ramzan food walk. In winter we visit Chandni Chowk just for having Daulat-ki-Chat.

Whether new Chandni Chowk is worth visiting

Chandni Chowk oozes an old-world charm. Yet, it is not boring but slightly chaotic and most happening. Yes, Chandni Chowk is indeed worth visiting, especially in these winter months. In fact, our most bellowed Daulat-ki-Chat is available only in this season – during the months of November to March. This time of the year, Chandni Chowk is a foodie’s delight!

The redecoration of Chandni Chowk has indeed opened up the space. The benches are indeed a most necessary addition. The wide use of red sandstone has given the place a classic feel. The red color of this area has also connected Chandni Chowk with Lal Qila or Red Fort at the end of the road. So yes, the place looks way more appealing. The addition of benches has made the area more user-friendly as well. So the new look of Chandni Chowk is worth a dekko.

Pro-tip

The best time to check out the new look of Chandni Chowk is perhaps early morning or late evening. At these times, the area is less crowded. Consequently, you can appreciate the before and after of the Chandni Chowk area to the fullest.