The big New Delhi in a nutshell

New Delhi was our stop-over to Japan, so we only spent around 3 days. It is a huge city and the capital of India, has a population of over 21 million people and is known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse attractions, including the India Gate, Red Fort, and Qutub Minar. The city was built as the new capital of British India in the early 20th century, replacing the previous capital of Calcutta.

We have chosen a hotel in Paharganj, located in central Delhi just north of Connaught Place, which is a crazy busy place, where many Indians go for restaurants and shopping.

Our highlights of the stay in New Delhi were:

1. Red Fort: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and former residence of Mughal emperors, it features impressive red sandstone architecture and beautiful gardens.

2. Jama Masjid: One of India's largest mosques, built in the 17th century by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, it boasts stunning architecture and offers visitors a chance to experience the Islamic heritage of India. It was so crowded there, firstly it was Sunday and secondly it looked like the end of a prayer. A lot of selfie requests, but fortunately there were lots of other tourists and they were partly not walking a meter, crowded with dozens of Indians taking selfie photos.

3. Chandni Chowk: A bustling market and one of the oldest and busiest areas of Old Delhi, offering a glimpse into the authentic life and culture of the city, with an array of shops, street vendors, and delicious food. An incredible place, but if you ride the indian wave (most critical thing to do, otherwise you will run away stressed!), you can enjoy the crazy things happening around you. A father discussing with his crying daughter in front of a wedding shop, cows eating in front of shops, Tuk Tuk Horn concerts, poor people sleeping in the middle of the streets between hundreds of people. Just crazy, but incredible India.

4. Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib: A Sikh temple with an important history, as it marks the site where the ninth Sikh guru was beheaded for refusing to convert to Islam. We arrived during a prayer, a very special moment inside of the temple. Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib is a prominent Sikh shrine located in the old town of Delhi. It was built in honor of the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur, who was beheaded here by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb for refusing to convert to Islam. Inside the Gurudwara, you can find the sacred well where Guru Tegh Bahadur took a bath before his execution and the shrine where his head was cremated. The Gurudwara is open to people of all faiths and offers free meals to all visitors, called langar, as a part of their community service. The prayers and kirtans (devotional singing) are held in the main hall, and visitors are required to cover their heads, remove their shoes, and wash their hands before entering.

5. Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir: The oldest Jain temple in Delhi, it is a peaceful place to escape the chaos of the city and witness the intricate architecture and artwork of Jainism. You enter another world, if you leave the crowded street life. People come over to pray, ringing bells, prayers are held through microphones and you smell the scent of incense sticks. Like anywhere else: don‘t forget to park your shoes in the shoe shelves, secured by a nice guy, in front of the entrance. During the entire trip you learn (like locals) to take your shoes on and off quickly. In hot India it was quite easy in Flip Flops most of the time.

6. Paharganj: A popular backpacker district with budget-friendly accommodations and a vibrant atmosphere, it is a great place to meet fellow travelers and explore the diverse culture of Delhi. Nice place at night looking like Indian Vegas with a lot of neon signs of hotels. And all day and night a great place to walk through small narrow alleys.

The Red Fort

Jama Masjid (way too busy)

Chandni Chowk

Indian Shopping Sunday

Wedding Tears

Happy not to be the engineer, who has to fix a line, if it is broken

Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib

During our spontaneous visit to Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib, we were fortunate to arrive at the beginning of a prayer, which added an extra level of excitement to our experience. As we entered the Gurudwara, we followed the tradition of covering our heads, and Patrik was provided with a special hat at the entrance. Out of respect, we refrained from taking photos, allowing ourselves to fully immerse in the moment. The sight of the golden praying places and the sound of men reciting the prayers filled the Gurudwara, creating a truly special atmosphere. It was a remarkable encounter, witnessing devotion and spirituality in such a vibrant setting.

Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib is a prominent Sikh place of worship and a historical shrine located in Delhi, India. It holds significant religious and historical importance for the Sikh community as it commemorates the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, who sacrificed his life to protect the religious freedom of Hindus during the Mughal era.

Before you head to the entrance, don't forget to give away your shoes, there is a busy place on the right bottom side coming through the entrance gate or you directly enter it from the street through a door, just follow the crowd :) As always, there was an "interesting" smell, where hundreds of people left their shoes alone ;)

Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir

After visiting the Red Fort, we were compelled to explore Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir, knowing its significance as a revered Jain temple in Delhi. As we stepped inside, we maintained our reverence by refraining from taking photos. Within the temple, we were captivated by the melodious prayers being recited by two Indians, with both the woman and the man delivering their devotions in parallel through a microphone, reading from a book and creating a harmonious and spiritual atmosphere.

Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir holds great importance as it is considered one of the oldest and most prestigious Jain temples in Delhi. The temple is dedicated to Lord Adinath (Rishabhdev), the first Tirthankara of Jainism, making it a significant pilgrimage site for Jains. Additionally, the temple is renowned for its red facade, intricate architecture, and housing a revered idol of Lord Parshvanath, attracting both devotees and tourists alike.

In India, the swastika symbol and its depiction hold a different meaning compared to Germany and many other parts of the world. In India, the swastika has been used as a religious symbol for centuries and is associated with various Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions. It represents auspiciousness, prosperity, and spiritual well-being. It is important to note that the meaning and usage of the symbol vary greatly depending on the cultural and regional context.

Paharganj

Paharganj, located in the heart of Delhi, is a bustling district renowned for its vibrant energy and diverse cultural atmosphere. Known for its bustling markets, narrow lanes, and budget accommodations, Paharganj offers a unique experience for travelers. The district is a hub for backpackers, with numerous guesthouses, cafes, and shops catering to their needs. Paharganj is a melting pot of different cultures, attracting visitors from all around the world. From exploring its vibrant bazaars to savoring local street food, Paharganj offers a lively and authentic glimpse into the vibrant tapestry of Delhi.

Three reasons to stay in Paharganj:

1. Proximity to Attractions: One compelling reason to stay in Paharganj is its close proximity to popular attractions like the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and Chandni Chowk. This allows travelers to conveniently explore these iconic landmarks without having to travel long distances, saving both time and transportation costs.

2. Budget-Friendly Accommodations: Paharganj is renowned for its affordable accommodations, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious travelers. The district offers a wide range of guesthouses, hostels, and budget hotels, providing comfortable and affordable options for those looking to save on accommodation expenses while still enjoying a central location in Delhi.

3. Vibrant Cultural Experience: Staying in Paharganj offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the vibrant cultural fabric of Delhi. The district's bustling markets, narrow lanes, and diverse street food stalls provide an authentic and lively experience. Interacting with locals, exploring local shops, and indulging in local cuisine allow travelers to truly experience the vibrant atmosphere and essence of Delhi's urban life.

Indian alcohol shops, commonly known as liquor stores, have a unique character and dynamics. One interesting aspect is the wide variety of alcoholic beverages available, ranging from local spirits like whiskey and rum to international brands. It is not uncommon, like we witnessed, lively crowds gathering around these shops, especially during peak hours, with an almost brawl in front of :)