Cultural Insights of Old Delhi

Aug 25, 2024

An Ordinary Day in Old Delhi (February 2014)

Overview of Old Delhi

  • Paan: A preparation of areca nuts and spices wrapped in a betel leaf; chewed for stimulant effects but may cause cancer.
  • Transportation: Wheelbarrows used for transporting goods downstairs.
  • Living Environment: Morning toilet and cooking occur in the same area; makeshift ovens seen.
  • Wildlife: Presence of jumping monkeys.

Gender Roles

  • Predominantly men visible in the streets; women primarily at home caring for children.

Traffic and Streets

  • Chandni Chowk Road: The main street of Old Delhi, notable for its chaotic traffic and running of red lights.
  • Observations of goats being dressed and animals being fed due to religious beliefs.

Hindu Beliefs and Spirituality

  • Core Concepts:
    • Karma: The law of moral causation.
    • Dharma: The duty or righteousness.
    • Reincarnation: Cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, known as Samsara.
    • Moksha: The state of salvation, breaking free from the reincarnation cycle.
    • Good karma accumulated through good deeds leads to a better life.
  • Older Hindus often abandon homes for pilgrimages and spiritual focus, leading to many wandering sadhus.
  • Astrological Advice: Feeding homeless animals and performing good deeds to improve karma.

Notable Locations

  • Hanuman Temple: Dedicated to Hanuman, depicted as a monkey.
  • Akshardham: The world's largest comprehensive Hindu temple.
  • Raj Ghat: Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Park, with trees planted by notable figures.
  • Lotus Temple: A Baháʼí House of Worship, open to all faiths, attracts four million visitors annually.
  • Qutb Minar: Built in the 13th century, the tallest brick minaret (72.5m). Previously a suicide spot, closed to visitors. Built from ruins of Hindu and Jain temples. Nearby Alai Minar was never completed.
  • Gurudwara Bangla Sahib: One of the largest Sikh houses of worship, featuring a community kitchen serving free meals to about 10,000 people daily.
  • India Gate: Memorial built for fallen Indian soldiers.
  • Government Buildings:
    • India is divided into 28 states and 7 union territories.
    • Ministry of Railways and Ministry of Agriculture noted on the left.
    • House of Parliament: Closed to the public since 2001 due to a terrorist attack.

Embassy District

  • Embassy of the Republic of Poland noted, with large imagery of Shiva including a trident and necklace of human skulls.