Chandni Chowk

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A typically congested scene along Chawri Bazar in the Chandni Chowk area, March 2006.

Gali Parathi Wali in chandni chowk is known for its parathas, Dec 2006.

Chandni Chowk (Devanagari: चाँदनी चौक,Urdu: چاندنی چوک) is one of the oldest and busiest markets in central north Delhi, India. The area is the historically important Shahjahanabad between the Lal Qila (The Red Fort) and Fatehpuri Masjid. With the most famous mosque of Delhi Jama Masjid (Delhi) in the vicinity, along with Sis Ganj Gurudwara, Jain Mandir and a lot of small temples, the place witnesses a genuine cultural harmony.

Chandni Chowk's speciality is the variety of its markets and their Indian-ness. From authentic Indian food, delicacies and sweets of more than 1000 kinds, to sarees with chikan, zaree work. There are lots of narrow lanes with many shops selling books, clothing, shoes and leather goods, electronic and consumer goods and what not. The area, even more so than the rest of the city, is congested. This is also a good area for window shopping. It is the location of the original Haldiram's. A particular local delicacy are the jalebis, which are fried in pure ghee (clarified butter).

Chandni Chowk was featured in the 2001 Bollywood film Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham where the leading lady Anjali (Kajol) and her sister Pooja (Kareena Kapoor) lived. Though portrayed as a neighborhood populated by a lower-class population, Chandni Chowk is shown to be a rich, cultural hub. A tongue twister introduced in the film goes as follows: "Chandu ke chacha ne Chandu ki chachi ko Chandni Chowk mein chandni raat mein chandni chamach se chatni chatayi" (Chandu's uncle fed Chandu's aunt chutney in Chandni Chowk on a full-moon night). One of the main characters, Rahul (Hrithik Roshan) is identified when he says the tongue-twister correctly.