Colorful, kaleidescopic, chaotic - that's Paharganj in a nutshell.
A small neighborhood behind the New Delhi railway station where pretty much anything goes. Hippie flophouses jostle for space next to shops stocked with Hindu Gods and incense. Chillum pipes share shelf space with electric Ganeshas. Tangles of bangles echo the tangles of dreadlocks. Tiffinwallas, milkwallas and juicewallas deliver meals and drinks, rickshawallas ferry housewives and shoppers, classic motorcycles roar past the occasional lumbering elephant.
A feast for the senses:
Paharganj reminds me of Thamel in Kathmandu, Nepal - a bustling, easygoing commercial district where everything's for sale - from giant teapots and chillum pipes to pashminas and electric ganeshas; from gas stoves and juice makers to the latest in knockoff fashions and "Rolex" watches...
Incense - honest! They also had sandalwood, vetiver, rose, jasmine and marigold, but this unusual offering caught my eye.
Ran into this tusker who tried to steal my camera. His name was "Babblu" which means little boy, and he let me pet him but refused my offer of a street-bought coconut. Let me keep my camera.
Signs of salvation everywhere. And all sorts of other interesting things to see...
Ghungroos... bells to wear on your ankles so they jingle rhythmically when you dance
Big, colorful bags to fill with bargains...
Inflatable legs to show off the latest fashions...
Fresh grapes...very sweet.
Lone rangers ...
And dreadlocked musicians...
Tangles of bangles ... made of glass
Sadhus....
Blessed bags ... choose your favorite God to carry your purchases
Beautiful, friendly mehndiwallis who put wearable henna art wherever you'd like...and so much more! Will post more later.
Happy Sightseeing!
Shafi
A small neighborhood behind the New Delhi railway station where pretty much anything goes. Hippie flophouses jostle for space next to shops stocked with Hindu Gods and incense. Chillum pipes share shelf space with electric Ganeshas. Tangles of bangles echo the tangles of dreadlocks. Tiffinwallas, milkwallas and juicewallas deliver meals and drinks, rickshawallas ferry housewives and shoppers, classic motorcycles roar past the occasional lumbering elephant.
A feast for the senses:
Signs of salvation everywhere. And all sorts of other interesting things to see...
Happy Sightseeing!
Shafi
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