While glimpses of people engaging in prerequisites of Eid can be witnessed all over the national Capital, but the streets of Old Delhi take away the actual limelight. Though New Delhi offers some great celebrations, but the true essence of Eid-ul-Fitr can be gauged only by visiting Old Delhi. Areas like Chandni Chowk and Chawri Bazar are full of colours and vibrant energy on the eve of Eid. Iconic Jama Masjid wore a festive look as the mosque is decorated with flowers and buntings. Thousands of people assemble to offer Eid Namaz on Wednesday.
Reshma, a local resident of Chandni Chowk, said, “We will start with the preparation of sewai (Vermicelli) in morning followed by the cleaning of the house. Meanwhile, the male members will visit masjid for Namaaz. Consequently, all the relatives assemble in the house and spend time conversing and enjoying specially cooked food which majorly includes sewai and sheer korma. We also apply mehandi on our hands.”
Sahil, another resident, added, “We have been preparing for Eid with the start of Ramzan. We accessorise our houses by garlands, lights and flowers. We wear new apparels to celebrate the bliss of the festival.”
Shopkeepers selling dry fruits, toys, clothes, bangles, heena, perfumes and sewai can be seen in every nook and corner of Old Delhi’s market area which is engulfed in the aroma of delicious-looking sewai, biryani, korma, kebabs and keema koftas.
Mohammad Yasin, a dry fruit seller in Chandni Chowk told The Pioneer, “Due to the scorching heat, we are experiencing slump in sales as compared to the previous years.” He also stated that the most demanded dry fruit for sewai is a blend of kaju, mewa, kishmish, badam, pista and coconut. Another shopkeeper hailing from Faridabad briefed that Metro. Both the Metro stations — Chandni Chowk and Chawri Bazaar — are on the Yellow line. During Eid, walking from the Metro station to Jama Masjid can truly be a relishing experience.