Even if you are not a history buff, the history of Chandni Chowk told through generations to the people who reside here is interesting. Established in the 17th Century by Shah Jahan’s daughter Jahanara Begum when the Mughal ruler shifted his capital from Agra to Shahjahanabad, now Old Delhi, Chandni Chowk is possibly those few historic places that continue to be untouched by time.
The water in the pool at the center of the market reflected the moonlight and glowed the entire surrounding. That’s how Chandni Chowk got its name.
The chowk was also an important throughfare and elaborate royal processions were a common sight.
Never has there been any major construction in Chandni Chowk, leave alone the Delhi Metro that has made traveling to and from the place for shoppers and shopkeepers convenient and easy. Omaxe Chowk will be one such introduction to the landscape and milieu of Chandni Chowk in there centuries.
“A separate entry is provided from Chandni Chowk Metro Station into the first floor of Omaxe Chowk”
Chandni chowk has forever been an important commercial center attracting traders and merchants from all corners of the country. The buzz in Chandni Chowk is hard to miss as wholesalers and retailers from across India visit the place to do business here. While Omaxe Chowk will do away the bustle and rampant chaos, it will give a direction to doing businesses and help make it more organised.
“From silver as the most important item traded to being a centre for trade in raw cloth, readymade apparel, decorative items, food stalls and electronics amongst others.”
The market was initially divided into four smaller parts, namely the Urdu bazar, Johri Bazar, Ashrafi Bazar and the Fatehpuri Bazar. Though the original design and aesthetics of the market is gone, the market is still one of the most important commercial hubs in the city. Omaxe Chowk will bring back the past glory with product-segmentation and ample facilities for retailers and wholesalers like loading and unloading bay, service lifts to name a few.
The many markets and even lanes and bylanes in Chandni Chowk have their own specialty and engage in the sale of a particular type of goods. Khari Baoli is famous as Asia’s largest spice market, Katra Neel is famous for fabrica, Dariba Kalan for silver ornaments and the Paranthe wali gali is well-known for its street food and is usually crowded with patrons lining the street to savour the delicacies.
The accessibility of Chandni Chowk makes it even more attractive for shoppers and businesses – adjacent to Old Delhi Railway Station and few KMs from ISBT brings from various parts of India traders.
The redevelopment of Chandni Chowk will restore its past glory and make the place pedestrian only in the times to come. Omaxe Chowk will emerge as the only place to park one’s vehicle and which in itself bring forth thousands of captive customers.
“Pedestrianisation of roads in Chandni Chowk will restore its centuries-old glory and make shopping a delight.”
Even with increasing competition from the numerous local markets and shopping malls that offers modern facilities and conveniences, Chandni Chowk manages to retain its place as an important marketplace. Omaxe Chowk will co-exist with this marketplace and give shoppers more options and traders newer avenues. Its narrow lanes and by-lanes that are brimming with enthusiastic shoppers looking for a bargain or for that unique piece that might just not be found in other markets will continue to prosper.
