Chitli's chandelier

On the sense of a place in different times

- Mayank Austen Soofi

The small chandelier emits a faint glow. The many people walking along the streets aren't looking up at it, nor at any of the other lamps.

But the overhanging decorations at the market intersection are brightening the midnight. This is the latter half of the Muslim month of Ramzan, and the nights in some parts of Walled City have grown far livelier than the days, which are spent in abstaining from food.

Despite the late hour, Old Delhi's Chitli Qabar Chowk is kinetic with the sparkle of the ongoing season.

Five years ago, the historic area was in a lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic. The customary bustle of the place had vanished.