Tag: Chandni Chowk

Landmark markets of Delhi to go virtual with the launch of ‘Delhi Bazaar’

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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In order to showcase Delhi’s famous markets to the world, the Arvind Kejriwal-led government is setting up an online marketplace called ‘Delhi Bazaar’. This virtual marketplace will bring all the well-known markets in Delhi on a single virtual platform. The Delhi government is going to promote the Delhi Bazaar website so that people from across the world can explore Delhi’s markets virtually and buy whatever they like.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal mentioned that it’s going to be the first of its kind in the country. Soon enough, Delhi sellers will be able to use this platform to reach a global audience, PTI reported.

Arvind Kejriwal recently held a high-level meeting to take stock of the progress of the Delhi Bazaar Project. In this meeting, he was joined by Industries Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj and other important officials, according to an Economic Times report.

Kejriwal attended the Chandni Chowk Shopping Festival on a Sunday where he mentioned about the upcoming project, including another initiative called the ‘Delhi Shopping Festival’ which would be somewhat similar to the renowned Dubai Shopping Festival, according to the PTI report.

“The planning and implementation of this event will take some time. We couldn’t meet a few deadlines. Since it will be the first event, we are planning it on a grand scale so that it can leave its imprint on the minds of attendees,” Kejriwal said.

Regarding the Delhi Bazaar project, Arvind Kejriwal expressed his belief that India has the potential to outshine Chinese products on the global stage. However, he said that traders and entrepreneurs often face challenges and obstacles. He criticised governments for not being supportive partners and facilitators but instead creating hurdles for them. He emphasised that if we simplify the government system and provide opportunities to our traders and entrepreneurs, we can undoubtedly surpass China in various aspects, reports PTI.

The Delhi Government has set an ambitious goal for the Delhi Bazaar portal. Within just six months of its launch, they aim to onboard over one lakh shops from Delhi, essentially giving them a digital storefront that operates 24/7. Their vision is to create a distinctive virtual experience where users can explore both famous and neighbourhood markets in Delhi and browse through the wide range of products available, the ET report added.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Chandni Chowk Shopping Festival: Day-long bonanza for Delhiites on September 9

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Delhi will be hosting a day-long shopping festival on September 9 to showcase fashion, food and folk culture. The Chandni Chowk Shopping Festival will be organised by the Chamber of Trade and Industry, an organisation of traders in Delhi, along with traders of the old marketing precinct, according to a press release.

The day-long shopping festival will include an exciting blend of fashion, food, and folk culture, wherein traders and shopkeepers from the iconic Chandni Chowk area will participate. Food stalls, game zones, songs, and dance events will be organised as part of the shopping fest. “There will be no entry fee. Bollywood celebrities, politicians, social media influencers, and bloggers will have been invited for the event,” the CTI said, PTI reported.

The Chamber of Trade and Industry has collaborated with the Delhi Unstitch Salwar Suit Association (DUSSA) and has planned a series of luxurious lifestyle exhibitions in the national capital.

Also read: From historic landmarks to bustling markets, embracing the chaos of Delhi

This exhibition will be called ‘Saubhagyawati Edition’ and the festival will be a blend of 3Fs — fashion, food, and folk culture.

PTI quoted Brijesh Goyal, chairman of CTI as saying, “The motto of the Chandni Chowk Shopping Festival is to exhibit the diverse and vibrant culture of Chandni Chowk and also tell about the oldest market of national capital to a wider audience.” The festival will focus on business-to-consumers and business-to-business models. This will help traders exhibit their products and allow Delhiites to explore fashion, food, and the cultural heritage of Chandni Chowk market.

Various bodies like the lehnga association, jewellers association, mercantile association among others will help organize the event. It will be held at a resort in South Delhi, which will be intimated later.

Also read: Top 6 markets to complete your wedding shopping in Delhi

Various fashion designs for the upcoming festive and wedding seasons will be showcased at the Chandni Chowk shopping festival.

Subhash Khandelwal, President of CTI, said this festival will showcase the development of Chandni Chowk, and connect people from all corners of Delhi. The GenZ, will get exposure to the traditional fabric designs of old Chandni Chowk.

With inputs from agencies

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Old is gold, so is Old Delhi: A journey through history

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Step into a world where time stands still, where echoes of the past whisper enchantingly through the narrow lanes and bustling markets. Welcome to Old Delhi, a treasure trove of history and culture nestled within the heart of India’s capital city. In this vibrant tapestry of sights, sounds, and flavours, the question arises: How old is Old Delhi?

A Stroll Through Centuries
To understand the age-old charm of Old Delhi, we must traverse back in time. The tale begins in the 17th century when the great Mughal emperor Shah Jahan decided to establish his new capital, Shahjahanabad. With meticulous planning and grand vision, the construction of this imperial city commenced in 1638. A network of majestic forts, grand palaces, and awe-inspiring mosques emerged, shaping the foundation of what we now know as Old Delhi.

The Jewel of Shahjahanabad: The Magnificent Red Fort
At the heart of Old Delhi stands a symbol of regal grandeur—the Red Fort. Constructed between 1638 and 1648, this architectural marvel showcases the artistic brilliance of the Mughal era. Its imposing red sandstone walls stretch magnificently over two kilometres, enclosing a world of opulent palaces, lush gardens, and historical significance. Walking through the gates of the Red Fort is akin to stepping into a living time capsule, transporting you to an era of imperial splendour.

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The Meandering Lanes of Chandni Chowk: A Timeless Melange
As you venture further into Old Delhi, the labyrinthine lanes of Chandni Chowk beckon with their irresistible charm. Dating back to the Mughal era, this bustling market street has witnessed the ebb and flow of history for centuries. It pulsates with life, bustling with shops selling vibrant textiles, intricate jewellery, aromatic spices, and mouth-watering street food. Stroll along these narrow alleys, and you’ll discover hidden gems that hold stories within their age-worn walls, providing a glimpse into the vibrant tapestry of Old Delhi’s past.

Jama Masjid: A Majestic Testament to Faith
No exploration of Old Delhi is complete without a visit to Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. Built by Shah Jahan between 1650 and 1656, this architectural masterpiece exemplifies the grandeur and devotion of the Mughal Empire. With its striking red sandstone and marble facade, towering minarets, and a vast courtyard capable of accommodating thousands of worshippers, Jama Masjid radiates a sense of tranquillity and spiritual serenity. Climb the minaret’s steps, and you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of Old Delhi, a testament to the rich history that unfolds beneath your gaze.

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Old Delhi Today: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity
Centuries have passed since the foundation of Old Delhi, yet its spirit remains alive and thriving. While the historical monuments continue to captivate visitors with their grandeur, the fabric of everyday life in Old Delhi weaves together tradition and modernity in a remarkable way. Ancient temples stand alongside bustling markets, traditional crafts flourish alongside contemporary businesses, and the aroma of authentic street food mingles with the buzz of digital innovation.

Timeless Beauty, Ageless Soul
So, how old is Old Delhi? It is an embodiment of centuries past, an amalgamation of historical narratives, and a testament to the enduring spirit of a city that has witnessed the rise and fall of empires. Its age is not merely a number but an invitation to immerse oneself in the rich heritage, captivating stories, and boundless beauty that Old Delhi holds. As we wander through its ancient streets, we connect with the souls of those who came before us, becoming part of a narrative that transcends time itself.

Step into Old Delhi, and let its timeless beauty unfold before your eyes. Immerse yourself in its history, savour its flavours, and embrace the vibrant spirit that pulses through its veins. In Old Delhi, the age-old adage holds true: Some things, like the captivating allure of a city, only grow more beautiful with time.

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

From historic landmarks to bustling markets, embracing the chaos of Delhi

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Delhi, the capital city of India, is a vibrant and chaotic metropolis known for its rich history, delicious food, and bustling markets. It’s the perfect destination for a wild and exciting weekend getaway. Here’s a guide to spending a wild weekend in Delhi.

Day 1: Exploring Old Delhi

Upon arrival in Delhi, start your day by exploring the historic streets of Old Delhi. Take a rickshaw ride through the winding lanes and visit famous landmarks such as the Red Fort and the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. In the afternoon, take a stroll through the bustling Chandni Chowk market, where you can find everything from spices and textiles to jewellery and electronics.

Day 2: Discovering New Delhi

On your second day in Delhi, take a tour of New Delhi, which is the more modern part of the city. Start by visiting the famous India Gate, a war memorial and national monument, and then head to the Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the tallest minaret in India. In the afternoon, visit the Lotus Temple, a Bahai House of Worship shaped like a lotus flower.

Day 3: Food Crawl

Delhi is known for its delicious street food, and there’s no better way to experience it than by going on a food crawl. From chaat and samosas to parathas and biryani, there’s a wide variety of street food to try. Take a stroll through the streets of Delhi and stop at different street food vendors to try different dishes.

ALSO READ | How to explore India’s rich cultural heritage through its best sites The Taj Mahal and Khajuraho

Day 4: Shopping

On your last day in Delhi, indulge in some shopping at the famous Connaught Place and Lajpat Nagar market. Connaught Place is a popular shopping destination for high-end brands, and Lajpat Nagar is known for its local handicrafts and textiles.

Overall, Delhi is a city that offers a perfect blend of rich history, delicious food, and exciting shopping. From its historic landmarks and bustling markets to its delicious street food and vibrant nightlife, you’ll have an unforgettable time in this wild and chaotic city. So, pack your bags and head to Delhi for a wild weekend getaway!

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Fire breaks out in Delhi’s Chandni Chowk: 50 shops gutted as blaze continues to rage at Bhagirath Palace market

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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More than 50 shops were gutted in a massive fire in the wholesale market of Bhagirat Palace area in North Delhi’s Chandni Chowk even as operations to douse the blaze were underway since Thursday night, police said.

However, no injuries have been reported so far, they said.

Chandni Chowk, Delhi | Fierce fire that broke out in the shops of Bhagirath Palace market of Chandni Chowk continues; Several fire tenders on spot

Early morning visuals pic.twitter.com/J3jtS5Hf3y

— ANI (@ANI) November 25, 2022

According to the fire department, a call about the blaze was received at 9.19 pm on Thursday and 40 fire tenders were rushed to the spot. Currently, 20 fire tenders are engaged in dousing the flames, a fire department official said.

The fire that broke out at one shop soon spread to adjacent ones, all dealing in supplying electrical appliances, officials said.

“Currently, 20 fire tenders have been deployed and efforts are being made to bring the fire under control. However, the cause of the fire is not yet known,” an official said.

Amid bellowing cries, Sanjay Kumar, whose shop was completely burnt out, said, “Our entire shop is destroyed. We have suffered a loss of several crores. We are just waiting for the fire to douse. But I don’t think anything is left.” Among the lucky ones is Balwinder Singh who owns a shop opposite a burning building.

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Delhi govt to unveil Chandni Chowk’s ‘makeover’ next month; what locals, experts say

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Around three years of hard work has brought some of Old Delhi’s Chandni Chowk’s lost glory back. The new look of the bustling market will be unveiled by the Delhi government next month, reports said.

The first phase of the project, which included beautification of the 1.3-kilometre stretch between Red Fort’s Lahori Gate and Fatehpuri Masjid, is now complete. It was the main thoroughfare of the 17th century Shahjahanabad, the capital of the fifth Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.

The project, which started in December 2018, was handled by the Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation (SRDC) and the Public Works Department (PWD).

The first phase missed several deadlines due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic among other issues, raising questions on when the rest of the area will get a makeover.

The makeover

As part of its beautification, the street has been retiled with red sandstone, keeping up with the Mughal-era architecture, punctuated with benches and potted with plants. Besides, pavements have been widened for walkers. Moreover, the primary attraction for shoppers will be a pollution-free stroll across the market, one of the busiest in north India, as the area is a motor vehicle-free zone now. Only cycle rickshaws are allowed.

The steel entry gates of Chandni Chowk have posters that warn motor vehicles against entering the revamped road opposite Red Fort between 9 am and 9 pm or a fine of Rs 20,000 will be imposed.

One can also look at the clear skyline as the mesh of overhead wires has been removed and taken underground. The old water pipelines have been replaced with new ones. The sewerage network has been cleaned and its inner surface re-laid. A dedicated water line has also been created for street fire hydrants kept ready in the busy area.

Gas pipelines have been laid along the entire stretch for the numerous food joints that attract people from all over the world.

Hawking is strictly prohibited, ThePrint quoted Nitin Panigrahi, nodal officer of the project, as saying.

But questions remain…

Permanent stakeholders —shopkeepers, regular commuters, rickshaw pullers, residents and hawkers—have raised several questions concerning the “makeover.”

While business has improved for the cycle rickshaw pullers, the primary concern flagged by shopkeepers, residents, and e-rickshaw pullers is motor vehicle-free zone. A rickshaw puller told ThePrint that now they are the only mode of transport in the area here but they need licences to operate.

With an overrun by rickshaws, commuters find it difficult to enter nearby Chawri Bazar.

Traders are also divided in their opinion. Some say business has improved, while others are unhappy with missing out on customers who use cars.

ThePrint quoted the president of Chandni Chowk Sarv Vyapar Mandal Sanjay Bhargava as saying that footfall would increase by 60 percent as there won’t be any traffic jam. “Also the air quality has improved.”

The residents, however, want better guidelines for leaving and entering the area in their motor vehicles.

More is needed

Experts say that this is a beautification project, not quite a development project. Some old buildings are in dire need of restoration.

They claim that instead of preserving the old structures, some of them were demolished. Modern showrooms, using metal and glass, have been constructed along the main road.

Others say that the benches along the centre of the road with no shade won’t help much, and might create an obstruction for walkers.

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Will quit AAP, fight polls as an Independent, says Alka Lamba

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Aam Aadmi Party’s Delhi MLA Alka Lamba on Sunday announced that she will resign from the party and contest the next Assembly election as an Independent candidate.

Lamba, who has not been on the same page as the party on various issues since past several months, said she took the decision after consulting the people of her Chandni Chowk constituency.

In a tweet in Hindi, she said that people from her constituency have agreed that instead of compromising with her self-respect, she should resign from the party’s primary membership and secondly, that she should contest the next election as an Independent candidate.

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

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Lok Sabha elections 2019: Why Delhi parties are keeping fingers crossed

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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A high polling percentage in Delhi’s Muslim-dominated areas on May 12 has turned out to be a worrying cause for the three major political parties — Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) — which were locked in a triangular contest in the Lok Sabha elections.

The Muslim community, which plays a decisive role in three of the seven parliamentary constituencies in Delhi, turned out in a good number on voting day, especially in the areas they dominate.

In Chandni Chowk, North East Delhi and East Delhi parliamentary constituencies, Muslims are a sizeable population.

The votes of the Muslim community consolidating in favour of a single party (AAP or Congress) would be bad news for all three parties but a split in this support base will benefit the BJP, say political analysts.

On Sunday, Delhi registered an overall turnout of 60.5 percent while the constituencies with a sizeable population of Muslims saw an impressive voting percentage.

Despite the scorching heat and roza (fasting) during the holy month of Ramzan, Ballimaran reported 68.3 percent polling while Shaku Basti, Matia Mahal and Seelampur recorded 68.7 percent, 66.9 percent and 66.5 percent respectively.

In the absence of community-wise break-up of votes, it cannot be said for certain what percentage of these numbers comprises Muslims in these areas. However, as these figures represent the vote in Muslim-dominated areas, it can be assumed that Muslims constitute the majority of the vote.

Trilokpuri polled 65.4 percent and Chandni Chowk 59.4 percent. Okhla was one of the exceptions, recording a much lower 54.8 percent turnout. Besides, the other minority-dominated areas such as Mustafabad and Babarpur recorded 65.22 percent and 62.14 percent polling respectively.

Delhi recorded a voting percentage of 60.34 percent in the Lok Sabha 2019 elections, five percent less than the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. In 2014, Ballimaran clocked 67.17 percent while Matia Mahal recorded 66.81 percent. Okhla and Seelampur recorded 58.21 percent and 68.11 percent polling, respectively.

According to experts, much of the Muslim vote is likely to go to either Congress or AAP and any split in it may cause worry for them as it actually helps BJP.

IANS spoke to many of the Muslim voters and found that Muslims in many areas have favoured Congress over APP in the elections.

“People were angry with the Centre and they expressed their anger by coming out in large number on the day of voting. They knew that the elections were national and voting AAP would only benefit the ruling party,” Anjum Jafri, a jounalist told IANS.

Asked about possibility of division in Muslim votes, he said: “If there is 50:50 split, it can be called a division but the situation is different. The ratio is 85:15,” he said.

Naeem Ansari, a resident of Jafarabad area of North East Delhi claimed that there were many locals in his area, who were devoted AAP voters but they were of the view that supporting Congress would be better for the Lok Sabha polls.

“This election was not for a corporator or MLA but for an MP. As the fight was with the BJP, they chose to go with ‘big’ among the AAP and the Congress,” Ansari said.

Congress too claimed that 80 percent of Muslim votes had gone in its favour as people saw it as a best choice against the BJP, which had created a fear psychosis among members of the community.

Delhi Congress working president and former Delhi minister Haroon Yusuf said voters in these areas are most affected by policies of the BJP government and they came out to vote in large numbers.

“Rahul Gandhi (Congress President) tried to give a message by continuously challenging Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) that he can fight for their cause, be it Muslims or Dalits. So, I can say 80 percent of them have come out to support the Congress,” he told IANS.

During campaigning in Muslim-dominated areas, the two parties appealed to voters to vote “wisely” as any spilt in their votes would benefit the BJP.

The BJP claimed that regardless of whether or not the Muslim vote was split, the party would benefit.

Delhi BJP spokesperson Pravin Shankar Kapoor told IANS: “If the Muslim vote polarises, there would be a definite polarisation among Hindus which would benefit us. It is evident who benefits in case of division in their votes.”

However, Union minister Harsh Vardhan, who is seeking re-election from Chandni Chowk parliamentary constituency, told IANS that he does not believe parties would necessarily benefit if high polling takes place in either Hindu-dominated or Muslim dominated ones.

“I never did politics in the name of Hindus or Muslims. If you ask how many Muslims are there in my constituency, I would not be able to give you the figure. But I am confident that many of the Muslims will vote for me,” he said.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow