Chawri Bazar in Old Delhi shifts from lively to quiet

Chawri Bazar, located in Old Delhi, is a place where you can see the unique blend of work and life. Once a bustling market, it now features deserted streets where many labourers sleep as they prepare for their day ahead. The shops are closed, and the main street is quiet. However, the dark passageways are alive with men resting on mats and carts. These labourers work in Chawri Bazar, which has a history tied to meetings and gatherings. Over time, it has evolved into a market for copper, brass, and paper products, especially famous for wedding cards. Most of the labourers have families back in villages. Their earnings support their loved ones. Many of them are daily wage workers, while others have specific traders they work for. These men are vital to the market’s everyday life. As dawn breaks, Chawri Bazar comes alive with the sounds of chai stalls reopening and the hustle of labourers preparing for their work. Throughout the day, the bazar fills with noise and movement. The alleys become crowded as labourers transport goods on carts and provide rickshaw rides to shoppers. Freelance carpenters gather at a central spot, waiting for jobs while keeping their tools ready. As lunchtime approaches, groups of labourers chat over tea, while some shopkeepers nap in the shade. In the evening, the market transforms from a bustling scene to a quiet retreat. Men like Munshi, who just had dinner at his usual place, find rest on their carts, scrolling through their mobile phones before going to sleep. Chawri Bazar showcases the daily rhythm of labourers balancing their hard work with moments of rest.