Shoppers delights found in New Delhi
STORY BY RAMA GAIND
My brief stay in New Delhi, India, over Easter 2008 was short, but long enough for me to be amazed by everyone’s fascination with shopping malls.
With a population of almost 14 million, this is one capital that is not only buzzing with life and vigour, but it is also a city of opportunities. The property business is booming and newly-constructed world-class accommodation is available in satellite townships.
Small shops are seen in abundance in the city and in the suburbs, and for daily needs one can buy groceries, fruit and vegetables from markets in residential areas. Of course, the ‘personal service’ continues with vendors selling fruit and vegetables door-to-door.
Shopping malls dot the capital’s landscape. They have given a new dimension to the whole idea of shopping in and around Delhi. These one-stop malls are the window to the latest trends in fashion, food and other retail spheres.
Delhiites have a natural passion for shopping. There are shopping malls, shopping complexes and markets in almost all areas of Delhi and the region. While complexes in Noida, Gurgaon and Faridabad – both for shopping and entertainment – have to be seen to be believed for modern conveniences, there are numerous multiplexes that will meet your every need.
There are supermarkets and central stores to purchase grocery and home utility items. Imported furniture showrooms are abundant in south Delhi near the historic Qutab Minar. Other showrooms can be found in Noida, near Connaught Place in Panchkuian Road and in west Delhi at Kirti Nagar.
Home linen and furnishings can be bought from shopping malls or home furnishing retail outlets. Curtains can be bought as fabric or readymade. Delhiites are also quick to catch up with the latest trends in fashion as the seasons change. Brand-name clothes are as popular as sarees and salwaar kameez. While western outfits are commonplace, well-known labels are freely available, along with fabrics and readymade garments. Most of the stores have tailors and drapers so made-to-measure clothes can be whipped up in next to no time. Pashminas are widely available and are cheaper than in the west.
For one-stop, enjoyable shopping, you can’t beat CTC Mall in central Delhi. Spread over three levels, you will be bewildered by the choices on offer from heavily embellished saris, salwar kameez, lehengas and sherwanis best suited for bridal wear to ready-to-wear fashion tops, shawls, jewellery and other accessories for both men and women.
Markets are in abundance: there’s Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi, South Extension I and II, Connaught Place, Karol Bagh, Kamla and Khan Markets. Many have a preference for clothes at Janpath and Sarojini Nagar markets. Visiting emporiums for that extra special gift from various parts of India is also an enlightening experience.
Whether you indulge in impulsive buying, go on a fanatical shopping spree or are just a passive participant – just content with window shopping – ensure you avoid temptation and buy what is essential so you won’t be out of pocket.
However, be warned: negotiating your way through the bumper-to-bumper traffic is an exhaustive exercise!
CAPTIONS
CTC Mall and Entrance to CTC Mall
Indulge in retail therapy of the finest kind – on three floors of the CTC Mall.
Traffic chaos in New Delhi
Patience is a virtue when navigating through traffic congestion in New Delhi.
