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Delhi Today

BAHAI TEMPLE

The Bahai House of Worship of the Indian sub-continent is the latest of seven edifices raised in different parts of the world inviting people of all religions and races to worship the creator of the universe. The design is inspired by the lotus, the exquisitely beautiful flower and symbol of purity that is inseparably associated with religion in India. The house of worship is surrounded by nine pools of water which enhace it's beauty and also play a significant role in cooling the prayer hall. The site of this house of worship was purchased in 1953. In April 1980 its construction began and it was formally inaugerated on December 24, 1986.

[The Bahai' House of Worship lit up at night]
[Bahai House of Worship lit up at night]

DANDI MARCH

This statue resides in central Delhi where many government offices and residences lie. It portrays the 'Dandi March', conducted by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930 (in Gujrat (a coastal state in western India) to protest against the unjust civil laws imposed on the people of India by the British monarchy. As illustrated in the image, people of all sections of society gave Gandhi their support.

[The Dandi March]
[The Dandi March]

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

[Phat Phati] [The auto-rickshaw]
Phat-phati - A modified Harley-Davidson which was used as a taxi between the 1960s and 80s. Now extinct because of pollution issues, this vehicle was often reffered to as the "phat-phati" for it's characteristic sound. Update: Phat-phatis were banned from Delhi around 2002 in efforts to bring Delhi down in the most-polluted-cities list! Today Delhi hosts a public transport system based on CNG (natural gas), a very clean fuel. All buses and auto-rickshaws use this. A Metro Rail System is also in progress, the first train began running in December 2002 (I think). Three Wheeler - Delhi's metro doesn't cover a lot of the city yet. Buses tend to get crowded and taxis can be expensive. Thus, many Delhites turn to the auto-rickshaw (popularly called an 'auto' or a 'scooter'). These three-wheelers can be found on streets at almost anytime of the day or night. Update: The picture above is of an old rickshaw, the new ones run on CNG and are yellow-green instead of yellow-black.

MAJOR MARKETS

[Chandni Chowk] [Connaught Place]
Chandni Chowk - One of the most famous, and most crowded market places in Old Delhi. Connaught Place - Connaught Place consists of two coencentric circles divided into various blocks. All possible shopping needs can and will be met here. Another peculiarity of CP is that it hosts an under-ground market,Palika Bazaar. You'll find various electronic items, leather goods, music CD's and tapes etc. here.

OTHER THINGS

[A snake charmer] [The towering statue of Lord Shiva] [The Jama Masjid]
SNAKE CHARMERS - Contrary to what some people believe, snakes are not found on the streets everywhere in India. But if you're lucky, you may still find spot them in some parts of Delhi. Cobras and pythons are often found with the snake charmers. If you want (actually, it has nothing to do with 'want' and everything to do with 'if you think you can'), you can use the python as a scarf! The snakes and the snake charmer are accompanied by the characteristic, absorbing music of the 'been'. Update: Though I saw many snake charmers till I was about 14 years old, they seem to have vanished lately. Is this by law? If anyone knows, do let me know. Thanks LORD SHIVA - the god of destruction according to Hindu mythology. There are three major gods in Hindu mythology - Lord Brahma, the creator; Lord Vishnu - the preserver and Lord Shiva - the detroyer. Throughout time Lord Brahma has created a world. Lord Vishnu has descended on earth in the form of a living being and helped to destroy evil and when the time comes, Lord Shiva destroys the world and the process begins again. This statue, lies on the Delhi - Jaipur highway (NH8), a few kilometers after the turn for the Delhi Airport International Terminal. THE JAMA MASJID - is the largest Indian mosque. Its courtyard can accomodate upto 25,000 Muslim devotess.

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