Old Delhi

In its day, Old Delhi was a planned city, with specific streets (narrow lanes, actually) for bread, silver, ribbons and even boatmen. These streets are still there, but 200 years of added population – and extra floors added to the homes and shops – makes it hard to imagine that it was ever anything but chaotic.

The streets are too narrow for trucks or cars. The constant whir (and honking) of bicycles, motorcycles, pedi-cabs, and other people powered vehicles delivering goods magnify the intensity.

Our senses were on overload, trying to avoid the fray of the traffic while striving to soak in the colors and smells of the city: the strands of bright orange marigolds and molded sugar for Diwali (festival of lights), the carts filled with water chestnuts, vegetable stalls, the low hung web of electrical wires, the beautifully hand crafted wooden doors, bread-maker with 16 different kinds of bread and the people moving all around us, each on a mission to shop or deliver. And this was while some shops were still opening, hours before the busy time in the afternoon.

Leaving the narrow lanes, the sixteen of us joined hands to cross a busy street. This was the only way to halt the onslaught of traffic and reach a very active Sikh temple. Before entering, we were required to remove our shoes, wash our hands and feet, and cover our heads. Once inside we watched a steady stream of the faithful visit the temple to pray and make offerings. A traditional Indian quartet accompanied the singing of verses from their holy book.

Now we were (just) beginning to experience India.

We’ve added more photos to our Delhi slideshow.