Delhi celebrates Diwali with much pomp and circumstance, turning the entire city into a veritable cornucopia of light and sound. The Capital is also a Mecca for shopping enthusiasts during this period, with a staggering number of markets offering almost every conceivable commodity and artefact for sale. The crowds that throng these markets are quite a sight themselves and travelling to these locations by car is a task best left for the really foolish. So check out these markets in Delhi that you have to visit this Diwali, and to make sure that you spend more time shopping and less time stuck in traffic, we suggest that you take a bike.
Chandni Chowk
The home of the Red Fort and one of the busiest and oldest markets in Old Delhi, Chandni Chowk is a place that attracts a staggering number of people during Diwali. Besides its shops that cater to every desire of shoppers, it is also famous for some absolutely delectable street food and even has a street called Paranthe Wali Gali dedicated to foodies. So if you prefer the rings of a Jalebi over those of a Zameen Chakra, head over to Chandni Chowk for an explosion of taste like you’ve never experienced before.
Sadar Bazaar
Sadar Bazaar is the largest wholesale market of household items in Delhi but it also caters to retail buyers. During Diwali, this market is a crowd favourite for festival shopping, especially crackers that are available at wholesale prices. Going to Sadar Bazaar by car is an extremely foolhardy task (you may be stuck there until Diwali is over) and you will be much better off taking a bike instead. (You can rent bikes in Delhi at affordable rates from Wheelstreet)
Dilli Haat
Located in Laxmi Bai nagar, Dilli Haat is a shopper’s paradise any time of the year but during the festival of lights you can shop for traditional handcrafted goodies like diyas, rangoli colours, decorative items and gifts from their various regional stalls. It also hosts a number of eateries that can satisfy almost all cravings of the most serious foodies.
Lajpat Nagar
One of the most popular markets in Delhi, Lajpat Nagar Central Market is a nirvana for those who want to shop for clothes, bags, accessories and footwear. The stores offer huge discounts during Diwali that ensure massive crowds in the market throughout the festival.
Dariba Kalan
Dariba Kalan, which connects the Chandni Chowk area with Jama Masjid, is the largest jewellery market in Asia. It has stores dating back to the 19th century which offer every conceivable jewellery item and more for sale. This market sees a huge influx of shoppers during Diwali as everyone rushes to buy gold during Dhanteras. Most of the shops trade in silver, gold, polki, kundan and diamond jewellery, besides costume jewellery. The proximity of jalebi shops, Paranthe Wali Gali and Kinari Bazar make Dariba Kalan an ideal shopping location.
Travelling to these locations by car usually turns into a nightmare and is much more advisable to opt for a bike instead. If you don’t happen to own one, you can rent a bike at extremely affordable rates from Wheelstreet for as many days as you need.