Independence Day it was. And the trip was to the quarters of the Old Walled City which falls under the shadow of that marvel in red sandstone where Prime Ministers stand atop a pedestal and address the nation that day. With whatever is going around right now which has been occupying mass attention, and the usual questions about what constitutes independence and how independent we are as a people – the same questions which usually always keep coming back to the minds of people on days such as this – I couldn’t help but wonder, how there are certain things which will always stay independent, in manners more than others. Like the charm of Old Delhi.
Situated at the end of the bustling main Chandni Chowk road, Fatehpuri Masjid can be made out by the presence of its entrance gate, apart from which there is hardly anything that gives out the presence of the mosque from the outside. After all when one is walking through the middle of one of the busiest markets in Delhi, where each step you take has the potential of your stepping on somebody or vice versa, you don’t really go around searching for clues. Although that evening, Chandni Chowk had donned a completely different look. Because of Independence Day, the entire length of shutters along the lane were closed, and all of a sudden you realize that there is actually a road beneath your feet as well. Oh, and on either side of you too, yes, there is a road. If nothing, a national holiday did allow me to make a realization about the public resources available around me.
Iftar at Fatehpuri Masjid was a quiet affair, which came to me in quite stark contrast compared to the experience I had last week at Jama Masjid.
I-Day, and rains. Didn’t exactly make for the best combo to trip through the lanes of Ballimaran. Nonetheless, I made the most of whatever I could manage while navigating my way through the muddy slushy lanes of Gali Qasim Jaan to dip into some Nihari, and then jumping over puddles as I found my way to the dairy which sold my favorite Habshi Halwa, only to find out that they were out of stock. The kids there directed me to another shop in Ballimaran, and I must say I was quite impressed with the blend there. Yes, I’m a bit choosy about where I have my Habshi Halwa, even when I’m in Purani Dilli.
Full image set here.