Paharganj, one of the older parts of the city adjoins the heritage markets of erstwhile sovereign city of Shahjehanabad. From the days of the ‘Flower Children’ in the early 70s it has emerged as New Delhi’s ‘backpacker ghetto’, where poverty and the tourists mingle with ease in this chaotic pocket. With the proximity to New Delhi Railway Station and Connaught Place it now mushrooms with cheap hotels and eateries, serving all manner of cuisine in its dinky cafes and eateries. Crumbling buildings, darkened alleyways spring fresh surprises of life lived in the shadows. Not an inch, it would appeared is spared on the chaotic arteries, from spill over of people carts, rickshaws autos, vendors, beggars all hurrying around. The street scenes of Paharganj, with its air of warm inclusivity, are a canvas extraordinaire for the photographer.
Exploring the surreal ethos of this backpacker and budget traveller haven, which adjoins the heritage markets of erstwhile sovereign city of ShahjehanabadPhotops of iconic bazaar scenes and amazing graffiti work around the walls in Delhi’s backpacker ghettoCrumbling buildings, darkened alleyways, sequestered amidst the labyrinth of streets, spring fresh surprises of life lived in the shadowsDelving into the swirling spill of daily life on the mean streets where beggars and tourist abound , and photops of Delhi skyline from terraces
The walk will take participants through the unexplored corners of Paharganj, which are real treasure troves for history, food, and shopping enthusiasts. This is what was known as Shahganj, during the reign of Shahjehan, and one of the first markets outside the fortified capital. There will be railway stations, markets with small shops hawking books, music, jewellery, bags, clothes, shoes, incense, textiles, wooden statues, and handicrafts, street-side eateries and international cafés, tourist and beggars, vendors and housewives trawling the chaotic streets. The walk will be also give photography enthusiasts an opportunity to click the hidden gems of Paharganj along with valuable tips and tricks of photography from a professional.