Chandni Chowk: The Heartbeat of Old Delhi

• Helloनमस्ते
  [Namaste]
• Goodbyeअलविदा
  [Alvida]
• Yesहां
  [Haan]
• Noनहीं
  [Nahi]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया/आपका स्वागत है
  [Kripya/Aapka swagat hai]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [Dhanyavaad]
• Excuse me/Sorryक्षमा करें/माफ़ कीजिए
  [Kshama karein/Maaf kijiye]
• How are you?आपका हाल कैसा है?
  [Aapka haal kaisa hai?]
• Fine. And you?ठीक हूँ। आप?
  [Theek hoon. Aap?]
• Do you speak English?क्या आप अंग्रेज़ी बोलते हैं?
  [Kya aap angrezi bolte hain?]
• I don't understandमुझे समझ में नहीं आया
  [Mujhe samajh mein nahi aaya]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेनू देखना चाहूँ
  [Kripya menu dekhna chahoon]
• I don't eat meatमैं मांस नहीं खाता
  [Main maans nahi khaata]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [Cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया मैं भुगतान करना चाहूँ
  [Kripya main bhugtan karna chahoon]

• Help!बचाओ!
  [Bachao!]
• Go away!चले जाओ!
  [Chale jao!]
• Call the Police!पुलिस को बुलाओ!
  [Police ko bulao!]
• Call a doctor!डॉक्टर को बुलाओ!
  [Doctor ko bulao!]
• I'm lostमैं खो गया हूँ
  [Main kho gaya hoon]
• I'm illमुझे बीमारी है
  [Mujhe bimari hai]

• I'd like to buy...मैं खरीदना चाहूँ...
  [Main khareedna chahoon...]
• I'm just lookingमैं सिर्फ देख रहा हूँ
  [Main sirf dekh raha hoon]
• How much is it?यह कितने का है?
  [Yeh kitne ka hai?]
• That's too expensiveयह बहुत महंगा है
  [Yeh bahut mehnga hai]
• Can you lower the price?क्या आप कीमत कम कर सकते हैं?
  [Kya aap kimat kam kar sakte hain?]

• What time is it?अभी कितने बजे हैं?
  [Abhi kitne baje hain?]
• It's one o'clockएक बजे हैं
  [Ek baje hain]
• Half past (10)दस बजे तक
  [Das baje tak]
• Morningसुबह
  [Subah]
• Afternoonदोपहर
  [Dopahar]
• Eveningशाम
  [Shaam]
• Yesterdayकल
  [Kal]
• Todayआज
  [Aaj]
• Tomorrowकल
  [Kal]
• 1एक
  [Ek]
• 2दो
  [Do]
• 3तीन
  [Teen]
• 4चार
  [Char]
• 5पाँच
  [Paanch]
• 6छह
  [Chhah]
• 7सात
  [Saath]
• 8आठ
  [Aath]
• 9नौ
  [Nau]
• 10दस
  [Das]

• Where's a/the...?...कहाँ है?
  [...Kahan hai?]
• What's the address?पता क्या है?
  [Pata kya hai?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?क्या आप मुझे दिखा सकते हैं (नक्शे पर)?
  [Kya aap mujhe dikhha sakte hain (naksha par)?]
• When's the next (bus)?अगली (बस) कब है?
  [Agli (bus) kab hai?]
• A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (को...)
  [Ek ticket (ko...)]

Chandni Chowk was established in the 17th century by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as the main market area of Shahjahanabad, the new capital of the Mughal Empire. The name 'Chandni Chowk' translates to 'Moonlight Square,' referring to the moonlit reflections on the canal that once flowed through the market. This area quickly became a vibrant hub for trade and commerce, attracting merchants and artisans from all over the empire.

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Chandni Chowk evolved into a cultural melting pot, reflecting the diverse communities that settled in Delhi. It was not only a commercial hub but also a center for various religious and cultural practices, including Hinduism, Islam, and Sikhism. The area is home to several historical places of worship, such as the Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib and the Jain Mandir, underscoring its multicultural heritage.

During the 1857 uprising, also known as the First War of Independence, Chandni Chowk played a significant role. The area witnessed fierce fighting between the British forces and Indian rebels. Key events unfolded here, leading to the eventual downfall of the Mughal Empire. The market's strategic location and its bustling streets became the backdrop for revolutionary activities and a symbol of resistance against colonial rule.

The Partition of India in 1947 had a profound impact on Chandni Chowk, leading to significant demographic changes and communal tensions. Many residents fled to Pakistan, while refugees from the newly formed Pakistan settled in the area. The transformation of Chandni Chowk during this tumultuous period is reflected in its diverse population and the fusion of cultures that continues to thrive in the neighborhood today.

Today, Chandni Chowk is a bustling marketplace known for its vibrant street food, traditional shops, and historical sites. The area has become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors eager to experience its rich history, architecture, and culture. Efforts have been made to preserve its heritage while embracing modernization, making it an essential part of Delhi's identity in the 21st century.

Chandni Chowk is well-connected by public transport. The nearest metro station is Chandni Chowk on the Yellow Line, which connects to key areas like Connaught Place and Kashmere Gate. You can also reach Chandni Chowk by taking a bus from various parts of Delhi, with multiple routes serving the area. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are widely available, and you can use ride-hailing apps like Uber and Ola for convenience.

Chandni Chowk is best explored on foot due to its narrow lanes and bustling markets. Rickshaws are also available for short distances. The Delhi Metro is a reliable option for accessing nearby areas, while bicycle rickshaws can add a local touch to your travel experience. However, be prepared for crowds, especially during peak hours.

Chandni Chowk is generally safe for tourists, but like any crowded market area, it's wise to keep an eye on your belongings. Areas with higher crime rates include less populated alleyways and the outskirts of Chandni Chowk after dark. Avoid displaying valuables and be cautious when interacting with strangers. It's always advisable to travel in groups if possible.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical services. The nearest hospitals include Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and Lok Nayak Jay Prakash Hospital. Ensure you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, and familiarize yourself with the locations of nearby hospitals upon your arrival.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably but modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing attire. Religion: Do respect local customs; remove shoes when entering temples and mosques. Public Transport: Do let elderly and disabled passengers sit first. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a warm smile and a nod. Eating & Drinking: Do try local street food, but ensure it’s from reputable vendors. Don't drink tap water; opt for bottled water instead.

To experience Chandni Chowk like a local, visit the historical havelis and temples scattered throughout the area. Explore the street food scene by trying parathas at Paranthe Wali Gali or chaat from local vendors. Visit the bustling markets early in the day to avoid crowds and take photographs of the stunning architecture. Engage with shopkeepers and ask about the history of their goods, as many have fascinating stories.