Old Delhi

We braved the Metro (built by Bombardier, a Canadian company). Although busy, surprisingly civilized, the occupants were mostly men and women in business dress.

We got off in Old Delhi to what I can only describe as chaos. Vendors and rickshaw drivers shouting, tuk tuks and cars honking, lots of people running and yelling.

Our guide took us down the narrow alleyways of the old town. We tasted delicious jelabi, masala chai and yummy pea samosas made right in front of us.

We witnessed cobblers and other craftsmen doing their job, sitting on the ground.

We walked down “wedding street” where brides and grooms and their families come to buy, not just dresses and jewelry, but all the flowers and decorations for their elaborate celebrations. The cost of a wedding in India often places families in debt.

It just happened to be Eid Mubarak, a holiday. We visited the Jama Masjid Mosque with twin minorats where extended families gathered, dressed in traditional clothes, the men and boys in white and black tunics and the women and girls in colourful saris.

I was modestly dressed, however I guess not enough, so was handed a coverup before entering!

We walked down the street to Sheeshganj Gurudwara, a Sikh Temple. With our heads covered, having washed our hands and walked through a foot bath we entered the brightly lit and ornately decorated Temple. We walked with our hands clasped in front of us, found a spot and sat for a few minutes in front of the three musicians and the Dias.

The Sikh faith is about 2% of the Indian population. Each Sikh Guru was selected by the former Guru. The tenth Guru decided to cease that practice and instead the book, called the Guru Granth Sahib, is now treated as a person, “seated” in the Dias and with its own bed! 😁