Old Delhi is not just a place for marketing; it’s a place of India’s trading legacy. The history of Old Delhi for trading is beyond your imagination. Yes! You heard me right. It’s a Mughal-era trading market and was once a heartland for shopping in Delhi. Today, modern malls are replacing the old havelis of Shahjahanabad market streets. The lane has its own story, and even if you go shopping in Old Delhi, you hear the story passing through generations.
In this blog post, we are not discussing tourist places; I’ll take you on a journey to Old Delhi’s forgotten yet fascinating markets.
Katra Neel – Fabric Lane
The word “Neel” is named after the Indigo dye. Katra Neel was once a trading hub, and anyone seeking quality fabrics, then you are in the right place. Katra Neel is located near the Town Hall in Chandni Chowk. The lane is narrow, but vibrant, and filled with wholesale shops selling cotton, silk, brocade, muslin, and embroidered textiles.
The place is famous for wedding shopping. Whether you’re sourcing material for a sherwani, sari, or even upholstery, Katra Neel has it all in his bucket with unbeatable prices.
Dariba Kalan – The Silver Street
Dariba Kalan is situated between Chandni Chowk and Jama Masjid in Old Delhi. The street is known as Silver Street and Jewellery Haven. The name of the street is derived from Persian Dur-e-be-baha, which means “Unparalleled Pearl”.
The shops on Silver Street offer handcrafted silver jewellery, vintage designs, and gold-plated ornaments. Some of the shop owners also deal in “Ittar (traditional perfumes)”, adding beauty with the charm of fragrance.
Chawri Bazar – A Paper Trail
The market, Chawri Bazar, started in the 19th century as a hub for brass and copper goods. Today, the market has been transformed into Delhi’s go-to destination for wedding cards and paper products. The shops designed invitation boxes for weddings, and affordable bulk cards with foil, stamping, and laser cuts. If you are looking for a paper trail for any festive occasion, Chawri Bazar caters to all budgets and tastes.
The market is especially famous for wedding invitations, fancy stationery, and business cards. You can choose from pre-designed samples or create a new one. Most of the printers offer customization in 24-28 hours.
Khari Baoli – Asia’s Largest Spice Market
Khari Baoli was established in the 17th century, and it is Asia’s largest wholesale spice market. The market is filled with spices, the red chilies hang in bunches, saffron is sold in tiny glass vials, and traders hawk exotic imports like Iranian dry fruits and Afghan asafoetida. The specialty of the market is spices, herbs, dry fruits, condiments, and ayurvedic ingredients.
The bustling scene is a photographer’s dream and a cook’s paradise. You can visit early in the morning to witness the market at its most active.
Final Thoughts
These markets may lack the gloss of modern retail, but they more than make up for it in depth, diversity, and historical resonance. In an era of mass production, the craftsmanship, community, and continuity found in Old Delhi’s streets are irreplaceable. As Delhi continues to evolve, these bazaars serve as vital reminders of the city’s trading spirit and cultural richness.
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