Chandni Chowk

Chandni Chowk is one of the oldest and busiest markets in central north Delhi, India. The area is the historically important Shahjahanabad which was an famous and dominating square during the Mughal times. It is here that the famous Sikh Gurdwara Sis Ganj stands as a witness to the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadar by Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb in 1675.

This extremely significant event in Sikh history that had a profound impact on the future direction of Sikhism, took place here in 1675. Guru Tegh Bahadar, the ninth Sikh Guru undertook the supreme sacrifice for the protection of the most fundamental of human rights - the right of a person to freely practice his or her religion without interference or hindrance. Today, we tend to take this freedom for granted – but in 1675, millions of people were denied this basic right. Chandni Chowk is one of the oldest and busiest markets in central north Delhi, India. The area is the historically important Shahjahanabad between the Lal Qila (The Red Fort) and Fatehpuri Masjid. With the most famous mosque of Delhi Jama Masjid (Delhi) in the vicinity, along with Sis Ganj Gurudwara, Jain Mandir and a lot of small temples, the place witnesses a genuine cultural harmony.

Chandni Chowk's speciality is the variety of its markets and their Indian-ness. From authentic Indian food, delicacies and sweets of more than 1000 kinds, to sarees with chikan, zaree work. There are lots of narrow lanes with many shops selling books, clothing, shoes and leather goods, electronic and consumer goods and what not. The area, even more so than the rest of the city, is congested. This is also a good area for window shopping. It is the location of the original Haldiram's. A particular local delicacy are the jalebis, which are fried in pure ghee (clarified butter).

• See article Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadar for more details.