A Day In Dilli Haat

Having lived in Delhi for two odd years, this was the first time I was visiting Dilli Haat. A vibrant market spread out with shops lining the path inside and a jostling crowd, no matter what time of day you visit. Especially now, when the weather is forgiving in the day, the open-air market becomes a hub for wandering souls.

Getting Started

Once you step out of the metro station, both pink and blue lines are adjacent to the market, and you will notice at least a couple of vendors with their wares spread out at the entrance of the market. I got my hair braided from one middle-aged lady who sat near the ticket counter, yarns of colourful fabric forming a perimeter around her. For Rs. 80, spice up your mane with a colourful twist. 

Buy It All

As soon as you enter, a medley of framed paintings greet you, some perched on a tree, some at odd pillars with hawkers calling out to you, dangling beautiful silk kurtas and pashmina shawls in front of your face. Walk ahead and keep walking. On your left will be fluffy carpets and intricate weaves of sarees, shawls and kurtas. As you turn your head right, a shock of blue in the form of imperfectly gorgeous pieces of pottery will occupy your eyes. 

So Much to Eat

Under the canopy of multi-coloured banners, the flurry of aromas takes your nose. Food stalls of different states, each with their aesthetic seating arrangements, are filled with people indulging in India&rsquos multi-culinary magic. Try the authentic momos from Sikkim, traditional Tripura thalis, onion kachori, crispy jalebis from Rajasthan, and ghee-dipped baati-chokha from Bihar. With nominal prizes, it is a one-stop for tasting diverse cuisines from all parts of India.

For the Love of Music

A stage opens up in the middle of the path as you reach the end of the market. As I walked ahead, I saw Rajasthani folk musicians in colourful attires playing the tunes of their villages and many tourists, Indian and foreigners, joined in to dance with them. It was a scene of warm bonhomie, surrounded by Christmas decorations and twinkling lights as dusk started to fall. 

Souvenirs for All

If you want to buy a bunch of things for your friends and family, take a look at the indoor and outdoor plants in all shapes and sizes at the last stall. I got a small succulent for home, which came in a sunny yellow round pot, for Rs. 250. You can also choose from the many ceramics on display and the brilliant lighting fixtures. 

I ended up spending nearly thirty minutes at one stall. Shelf after shelf lined with chips, crisps, and pickles made me stop at my track. The best thing about that shop was that they let you sample everything they were selling. We bought two huge bags worth of things and had to run away from the store as the vendors kept asking us to taste &ldquoone more flavour&rdquo and try a &ldquonew chutney everyone buys from us&rdquo Catching our breath, my friend and I vowed not to come back until next month, knowing we would be returning within a week.