Dilli Haat-A Shoppers Paradise

Dilli Haat-A Shoppers Paradise

P for Paradise for #BlogchatterA2Z challenge. Delhi has always been a treasure trove that needs to be explored and the treasure never seems to end. This time, I  stepped out to visit Dilli Haat-A Shoppers Paradise. The gourmands are going to binge eat here. An extended flea market, situated in the heart of Delhi, is always abuzz. It is like an Aladdin’s cave offering an enchanting potpourri of craft, cuisine and cultural activities. The market is permanent but the craftsmen keep changing, hence presenting a kaleidoscopic view of the richness and diversity of Indian textiles, handicrafts, artefacts and cuisines.

Remember these storage trunks? Peacocks and elephants have been displayed on it here.

Indian Folkart on Display

Imaginative landscaping, creative planning, and traditional village architectural style have united to create the perfect ambience for a Haat or marketplace. Small thatched roof cottages and kiosks bestow the plaza with a village atmosphere. The paved and cobbled path with stone and brickwork makes it easy to stroll. The path is expertly dotted with grass, flowering shrubs and tall trees. The play centre for kids keeps them busy while you shop at leisure. An extensive array of skilfully crafted handicrafts, native to each part of the country is available in this colourful bazaar. These products range from elaborate rosewood and sandalwood carvings, embellished bags and garments,  camel hide footwear to stylish fabrics. The chunky costume jewellery, beads, brassware, metal crafts, silk and pashmina are eye-catching.

Bon Appetit

The food plaza allows visitors to savour the incomparable flavours and culinary delights from different regions of India. The varied food stalls offer a wide choice of local regional food. The food is fresh,  clean, hygienically prepared and easy on the pocket. If you are a momo lover like me, do not forget to gorge on steamed momos dipped in a spicy sauce. There is Thukpa too for the foodies.  Go ahead and have a lemon soda to quell the fiery aftermath of the Momos. Check out the recipe for homemade momos Strolling around all the food stalls was a gastronomic experience; Idly dosa from Andhra Pradesh, Momos from Sikkim or the Bamboo chicken from Nagaland, Kahwa & Kebabs from Jammu& Kashmir,  Pooranpoli and Thepla from Maharastra, Gujarati Dhokla.

Indian Culture on Display

Dilli Haat proffers the Indian experience in a microcosm. It is a destination in itself for a visitor to India. It showcases a land filled with myriad colours and vibrant disparity. Use all the haggling tricks in the book if you want to splurge on the gorgeous baubles and knick-knacks. Dilli Haat is not just another marketplace; it has been visualized as the pride and joy of traditional Indian culture; a forum to showcase rural life and folk art to foreigners and urban shoppers. Craftsmen find a platform to demonstrate their artistic skills to thousands of visitors every day.

Dilli Haat is a must visit. Don’t miss it.

I am participating in #BlogchatterA2Z  by @ Blogchatter 2022

If you haven’t checked out my theme for A2Z 2022, then do check it out here.

My A post is  Ambrosial Pineapple Cream Pudding.  B post is Strawberry Biscuit Pudding.  C is Chana Dal or tadka Dal, D for Thandai Drink, E for How to eat a juicy Mango, F for Frittata, G for Godh Bharai, H for  Homemade Kulfi, I for Mango Icecream, J for watermelon Juice, K for Matar Kulcha, L for Lazy summer days, M for Munjalu, Palm fruit or Ice Apple, N for Natural Munjalu or Ice Apple Sherbet, O for Offbeat Destination Bhopal