Today, the historic areas of India's capital, Delhi, are shrouded in gloom. These lanes that have witnessed pivotal moments in India's history are quiet now. Since the recent blast, from the Red Fort to Chandni Chowk, Jama Masjid, Meena Bazaar, and Khari Baoli market are all enveloped with silence and desolation.
Once bustling with historic speeches and decisions that shaped the nation, the atmospheres are now filled with a melancholy that's hard to shake off. Shops lack the usual throngs of customers. Even the tea stalls, once abuzz with chatter, are silent.
Source: aajtak
The Red Fort, which proudly held the national flag to its heart, now stands silent. Barricades hold people back, and the metro station is closed for security reasons, enhancing the eerie silence. The usual 'Chandni Chowk rides' are less energetic. Stalls show a customer count less than half of what is usual.
Source: aajtak
The historic steps of Jama Masjid, once crowded, are deserted. The lane market by Gate 2 remains closed. Meena Bazaar, usually bustling, now sees far fewer visitors.
Source: aajtak
These renowned places are integral to Delhi's identity. They offer both historical monuments and gastronomic delights fulfilling daily needs. But the explosion altered the scene significantly. Locals state that since Monday evening, a climate of fear dissuades outsiders from visiting.
About 100-200 meters from the Red Fort, Rajkaran Tiwari, who sells bags and briefcases, shares, "People are terrified; our business is devastated. I'm forced to wait all day, hoping for a few customers."
Source: aajtak
Recalling the blast moment, Tiwari explains, "Our shop was buzzing with customers when the blast hit. Floors shook, customers fled, and chaos ensued. We closed up and left."
Source: aajtak
Rajo Mato, a rickshaw driver hailing from Bihar, describes the decline, "It's been tough post-blast, with barely any customers. Where I used to earn generously, now I'm struggling."
In Khari Baoli market, near Fatehpuri Masjid, Deepak, who works at a dry fruits stall, reports severe business impact due to fear-driven low customer turnout.
Source: aajtak
Not far from the blast site, Khan Mohammed, selling printed bedsheets, laments the desolate trade conditions. "There's a chilling silence, and customers are fearful. Only a fraction of our usual patrons are visiting."
Source: aajtak
As Khan recollects the blast, he describes the panic and tremors felt. "It felt like an earthquake; there was a lot of fear and uncertainty."
Satyendar, who operates a tea stall near Red Fort, mentions, "The blast shattered the business dynamics. People stopped coming; the vibrancy vanished, making it hard to manage daily expenses."
Source: aajtak
Meena Bazaar, typically crowded, now echoes with silence. Mohammad Naim, a clothing vendor, shares, "The blast brought gloom; sales dropped by half, it's literally dark times in the market."
Source: aajtak
Naim narrates, "It was a terrifying sound. During the blast, it felt like a quake; customers were petrified, unsure of what unfolded."
