Each street of Delhi welcomes you with its own flavor, churned out with unique smells and colors, even if they share the same history. The Jama Masjid is no different. The toiling people of the land weave the tales of these streets with their sweat and the sweets of Shahi Thukdas they sell.
The uncontrollable throng is the crown of this market. You can start feeling the buzz of a busy street as soon as you get down at the Metro station. The sound of rapidly flapping exit machines gives you an idea of the people in the queue even before you reach there.
The street offers a wide variety of stuff, each bracing to attract customers with its own self-developed unique selling tactics. The glimmering bangles, stacked row by row, display all their vibrant colors. Some vendors have a knack for attracting consumers with their unique collections, while others struggle to manage the gush of customers in their tiny vendor space.
The cloth market has different facets. Some shops focus only on daily wear, while others offer nice occasional wear. Some shops have a good collection of kids’ wear, while others have Abhayas. Chappals (sandals) are another attractive selling item available at very affordable prices. The list of accessories is endless, including belts, earrings, ornaments, shawls, and more.
Next comes the food street, which fills your nose with mouth-watering smells. Most of the time, you might not have to walk by yourself; the teeming throng carries you along. While walking, you have to keep your neck stretched in order to locate the places and see what they are displayed side by side. One such famous delicacy is Qureshi Kabab, which would probably be your first stop as it is on the way. Even though you can get this kabab from anywhere in Delhi, this one is different with its unique flavor.
The grilling red seekh kabab, wrapped around steel rods placed one above the other over the flaring embers, catches your eyes with its aroma and bright embers. After about fifteen to twenty minutes of restless waiting, you will be rewarded with melting hot minced chicken chunks with the perfect masala combination. It’s just a starter; there are more delicious dishes waiting in the coming rows. On the way, you can see vendors selling plates garnished with several colorful fruits arranged in floral designs. Kiwi, passion fruit, yellow and red watermelon, and many other seasonal fruit treats await you.
Moving forward, you will reach the Minaret, the main gate entrance where the monument is just a few stairs away. After climbing the stairs, the huge gate of the Jama Masjid will welcome you. It has three similar gates in the north, south, and east-west directions. Once inside, you will be embraced by the artistic skills of the Mughals. The front yard is done with polished red stone flooring, while the inside of the mosque is mostly made of marble. The outer walls are tiled with red stones and designed with white marble. The white marble inside, with carvings patched in black, showcase beautiful Arabic calligraphy designs. You can even go to the peak of one of the minarets and see the entire city, including the Red Fort.
You can see the entire market in one blink, while taking the stairs down. The rush, auto drivers struggling to drive in between, street sellers striving to tap every customer without losing any, and homeless people nested themselves in the street —this is a cross-section of life where people struggle to make ends meet.
As I arrived at my next destination, the tantalizing aroma of famous deep-fried chicken mingled with the vibrant spices of authentic masala blew into my lungs, which developed a craving to experience culinary delight despite the crowd waiting for their orders. At last, I could savor a hot piece of chicken fry, paired with a soft, flaky roti. The nostalgic flavors are capable to send us back to our grandmother’s kitchen.
Indulge in the refreshing delight of Mohabbat E Sharbat, a pink drink that rejuvenates your entire body with a single sip. Perfect picks of Kaala Jalebi and Kaala Jamun served piping hot for dessert. Another delectable option awaits you with Sheermal, a sweet Persian bread filled with a heavenly combination of dry fruits and ghee. And to conclude the culinary journey, savor the exquisite flavors of Shahi Thukda and Rabdi, a truly regal treat for taste buds.
As the day comes to a close and the vibrant boisterous streets of Delhi gradually quiet down, the memories of its unique flavors, bustling markets, and historical wonders linger in the air. The street tells its own story, woven with its people’s hard work and dedication. From the aromatic food stalls to the glittering shops, This place embraces visitors with its rich heritage and vibrant spirit.