 Chandni Chowk literally means "moonlit square." The beautiful Jahanara, the daughter of the famous emperor Shah Jahan, laid the foundation of Chandni Chowk. It is situated opposite the Red Fort. Today, Chandni Chowk enjoys the reputation of being the largest trading center in north India. It offers a complete shopping experience with a range of products in fabrics, watches, shoes, electronics, gems, jewellery, etc. Chandni Chowk has a lot of landmarks such as The Sunheri Masjid, the Fatehpuri Mosque and the Jumma Masjid.
Heritage
During the historic times when this place was built it was shaped as a half-moon. As this place flourished it spread across and encompassed the areas around and later branched away in all directions. Now the entire area from the Old fort to Fatehpuri Mosque is known as Chandni Chowk. Chandni Chowk has certain shops and businesses that are actually steeped in history. Gulab Singh Johri Mal is one of the perfume shops that was established in the year 1819. The place alongwith being one of the largest trading centers also has many places of religious worship of all the major religions followed in India. On the 2-kilometer stretch from Fatehpuri Masjid to Red Fort you can find places of worship for Hindus, Sikhs, Muslims, Christians and Jains.
Eating Places
Chandni Chowk has several lanes, known for their respective specialities. There is a jewellery and textile lane. Interestingly enough there is also a paranthewali gali (street) famous for selling parathas. Chandni Chowk is extremely famous for its gastronomic delights. The place abounds in the street food culture of Delhi as well as some lip-smacking Indian sweets and savouries. Some of these places have been there since ages, with the fourth or fifth generation of people managing the businesses now. You can choose from any of these: The Ghantewala Halwai, Dahi Bhalle at Natraj's, Bikaner Sweet Shop or Haldiram's.
More about Chandni Chowk
The entire place is bursting with life and business at seams. The various lanes branching out have different products to offer. Chandni Chowk also has Khari Baoli, which is a spice market. The Gadodial Market is the wholesale price market, which sells several spices and condiments. There is also a 'Chor Bazaar', put up on Sunday, which sells secondhand goods. For buying fabrics, ranging from silk to muslin, you can go to Katra Neel. The place for doing trousseau shopping is Kinari Bazaar, where you'll find ornate dresses with traditional Indian zardosi or zari work. Visit the Chhatta Chowk Bazaar for buying fake antiques, artificial and semi-precious jewellery or ornate bags.
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