Celebration of Indianness: Dilli Haat

We have all read in our geography books that India is a diverse country and amidst this diversity lies the bond of our unity. A place where you can experience this is `Dilli Haat`, located opposite to INA market, it is a good spot to spend your evenings [summers] or afternoons [winters] in Delhi. Hundreds of tourists and locals throng `Dilli Haat` each day. It is open seven days a week between 10.30 am to 10:00 pm and tickets will cost you Rs. 20 for adults and Rs. 10 for children.

One can relish the unmatchable flavors of the local cuisine of each state of India, `Dal Bati Churma` from Rajasthan, wontons from Manipur/Sikkim, tabak maaz from Kashmir, `pabda jhal` from West Bengal or our very own `aloo tikki` from Delhi. The prices of food are pretty reasonable and affordable; it does not burn a hole in your pocket.

If you are looking for an amalgamation of good food, diversity in art and craft, and enriching cultural liveliness then Dilli Haat should be your pick. Based on the idea of a village bazaar, this place caters to modern needs of every buyer all at once.

Oozing energy and bright colors of life, the moment you enter Dilli Haat you will be in harmony with the lively ambience of this traditional contemporary market. A variety of shopping products ranging from cotton fabrics, wooden furniture, hand-loom, silver jewelry, traditional mojris/juttis [footwear], and fine dining utensils are on display here. Though the prices are a little on the higher side but the quality of the products makes it up for the hike.

I have been going to Dilli Haat for almost 8 years now; it is a great hangout when you are out with friends or for a date. You can actually spend a whole day there without getting bored. Do try the momos and fruit beer that is a specialty of the Sikkim stall; you can also get yourself sketched by an artist or get your hair braided in colorful threads.

Dilli Haat is a must visit place if you are travelling to the capital, as for the locals they already know the temper of this not-to-be-missed spot.