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Mayank Austen Soofi

Mayank Austen Soofi is a writer-snapper trying to capture Delhi by heart.

Articles by Mayank Austen Soofi

Delhiwale: CP soulful

The revamped terrace garden above Palika Bazar in Connaught Place offers a blend of urban life and serenity, inviting diverse visitors to enjoy its new charm.

The garden above the underground Palika Bazar—sometimes called Palika Bazar terrace, as well as terrace garden. (HT Photo)

Delhi

Updated on Nov 15, 2024 05:52 AM IST

ByMayank Austen Soofi

Delhiwale: Paharganj’s chai world

Paharganj's vibrant tea culture features iconic stalls like Shailain’s and Bhola Tea, offering unique brews and experiences in a lively hotel district.

There’s a 30-year-old tea establishment with no fixed address. The elderly Tony hawks all day long, walking to-and-fro the Main Bazar street, carrying two chai flasks and a bag filled with paper cups. (HT Photo)

Delhi

Updated on Nov 14, 2024 02:16 PM IST

ByMayank Austen Soofi

Delhiwale: Portrait of a storyteller

Faizan, a young storyteller from Delhi, shares his journey of friendship and writing, blending Hinglish to engage youth, with a story on smoking's impact.

Hookup se Mohabbat, a story that Faizan is reading aloud from his mobile to Asad and Hammad. (HT Photo)

Delhi

Updated on Nov 11, 2024 10:17 PM IST

ByMayank Austen Soofi

Delhiwale: Kalu, Rambo, Bambi, Pogo and Poonam

Poonam feeds four dogs daily at Delhi's Tibetan Market, finding joy in the routine despite her busy life as a businesswoman.

Feeding the four Janpath dogs is Poonam’s daily routine for eight years. (HT Photo)

Delhi

Updated on Nov 11, 2024 05:20 AM IST

ByMayank Austen Soofi

Delhiwale: This way to Dilli Gate Qabristan

In Old Delhi, a funeral procession halts traffic as mourners carry a janaza to a graveyard rich with history, housing notable figures and well-maintained graves.

Amid a cluster of graves, a smelly cat is busy raiding a bowl of milk. (HT photo)

Delhi

Updated on Nov 08, 2024 10:46 PM IST

ByMayank Austen Soofi

Delhiwale: Trees of Connaught Place

Connaught Place's charm lies in its iconic columns and lush trees, including unique hybrids and massive specimens that enhance its historic atmosphere.

The architectural essence of Connaught Place lies in its hundreds of sturdy white columns that gracefully support the colonial-era colonnades of inner and outer circle. The other significant but overlooked aspect of CP’s essence is its innumerable trees. (HT)

Delhi

Updated on Nov 08, 2024 05:40 AM IST

ByMayank Austen Soofi

Delhiwale: In Chitli Qabar, the Amsterdam-returned

Zubair Ul Hasan reflects on his contrasting life in Old Delhi and Amsterdam, as he prepares for marriage while adjusting to a new job abroad.

Delhi

Updated on Nov 05, 2024 05:18 AM IST

ByMayank Austen Soofi

Delhiwale: Ramchander’s Diwali

On Diwali, barber Ramchander lit diyas and shared insights on life, happiness, and family, reflecting on his village roots and daily struggles.

Delhi

Updated on Nov 04, 2024 05:26 AM IST

ByMayank Austen Soofi

Delhiwale: This way to Mahila Haat

Mahila Haat, initially a failed artisan market, has transformed into Delhi's vibrant Sunday Book Bazar, attracting thousands and preserving its literary roots.

Delhi

Updated on Nov 02, 2024 05:16 AM IST

ByMayank Austen Soofi

Delhiwale: The return of Morena wale

Morena, known for its dacoit legacy and rich gajak tradition, sees stalls pop up in winter, offering a variety of flavors from authentic local recipes.

Delhi

Updated on Oct 29, 2024 05:02 AM IST

ByMayank Austen Soofi

Delhiwale: Chai by the Qutub

Manikchand's Om Sai Ram Tea Stall in Mehrauli, near Qutub Minar, tells a tale of resilience after quitting a job, serving chai daily at just 10 rupees.

A roadside chai stall near the Qutub Minar. (HT Photo)

Delhi

Updated on Oct 24, 2024 10:55 PM IST

ByMayank Austen Soofi

Delhiwale: Graves of Mehrauli

Mehrauli, rich in history, features royal and sacred graves, including Emperor Iltutmish and Sufi mystic Hazrat Khwaja Qutubuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki.

Delhi

Updated on Oct 24, 2024 05:18 AM IST

ByMayank Austen Soofi

Delhiwale: A corner in the chaos

In central Delhi, a sleek skywalk offers a serene refuge amid chaos, where citizens share meals and find peace, contrasting the busy city life.

In a megapolis of millions, here’s a table for two. It is actually a bench, and this afternoon two citizens sitting on it are sharing a meal from the same plate. (HT Photo)

Delhi

Updated on Oct 23, 2024 06:28 AM IST

ByMayank Austen Soofi

Delhiwale: Winter’s tasty essence

Daulat ki chaat, a winter dessert of whipped buffalo milk and cream, debuts in Old Delhi, blending tradition and seasonal flavors.

The season’s first sighting of the frothy-white daulat ki chaat took place this Friday, close to the remnants of the Walled City’s stone walls, near Ansari Road, outside the Hindi Park. (HT Photo)

Delhi

Published on Oct 21, 2024 10:55 PM IST

ByMayank Austen Soofi

Delhiwale: An ode to this time of the year

Delhi's pollution looms as a young writer reflects on a suffocating city in his poem, expressing a deep, tender rage against time and existence.

The extreme pollution that strangles the capital at this time of the year is threatening to return. (HT Photo)

Delhi

Updated on Oct 21, 2024 06:10 AM IST

ByMayank Austen Soofi

Delhiwale: This way to Cotton Market

Old Delhi's Cotton Market, known for its cotton goods, connects Urdu Bazar and Chandni Chowk, featuring vibrant shops and bustling food stalls.

A parked car decked up with carpets. (HT Photo)

Delhi

Updated on Oct 19, 2024 05:38 AM IST

ByMayank Austen Soofi

Delhiwale: Rembrandt’s Dilli

As the sun sets over Charles Correa's Jeevan Bharti in Connaught Place, the building transforms into a breathtaking spectacle of light and shadow.

That’s a Charles Correa. The Connaught Place edifice, Jeevan Bharti, is gigantic, and the front facade looks like a dizzying complex network of grids. (HT Photo)

Delhi

Updated on Oct 17, 2024 09:33 PM IST

ByMayank Austen Soofi

Delhiwale: His baba’s son

Aezaan Sahil aspires to be a film actor, inspired by his father's unfulfilled writing dreams. He balances work, study, and his passion for acting.

Aezaan Sahil at Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya’s sufi shrine. (HT Photo)

Delhi

Updated on Oct 16, 2024 05:42 AM IST

ByMayank Austen Soofi

Delhiwale: An evening with the ironing man

Rajesh, a Delhi ironer, shares his life struggles, emphasizing work, family, and dreams for his children's education in a heartfelt interview.

Delhi

Updated on Oct 15, 2024 05:12 AM IST

ByMayank Austen Soofi

Delhiwale: This way to Gali Salim Mohd Shah

In Old Delhi's Gali Salim Mohd Shah, sparrows thrive amidst malti vines, offering a rare moment of peace in the bustling Walled City.

A woman in black walks straight to Nawab Sahib’s gate. (HT Photo)

Delhi

Updated on Oct 12, 2024 05:30 AM IST

ByMayank Austen Soofi

Delhiwale: Khan Market’s truly moveable feast

In the 1970s, Banda Hasan, known as Khan Chacha, popularized street food in Khan Market, now a pricey area with hidden affordable eats.

The short walk-friendly stretch between the Khan Market metro station and the Market. (HT Photo)

Delhi

Updated on Oct 11, 2024 05:32 AM IST

ByMayank Austen Soofi

Delhiwale: Their bhajan circle

During Navratri, a 20-member bhajan group in Ghaziabad sings devotional songs at their temple, blending tradition and friendship in sacred music.

Seen in the photo, from left—Pushpa, Mithilesh, Rukmani, Anita , (second) Pushpa , Preeti, Ranjana, Madhu, Rekha , Upasna, Seeta , Priya (HT Photo)

Delhi

Updated on Oct 09, 2024 05:05 PM IST

ByMayank Austen Soofi

Delhiwale: Dialogues with a young poet

As it happens, Swapnil did end up writing a poem on his immediate world, although in French, which he learned only this year.

Swapnil Mayank does most of his writing in a library in Lodhi Estate as well as in his room in Karol Bagh. (HT Photo)

Delhi

Published on Oct 07, 2024 02:18 PM IST

ByMayank Austen Soofi

Delhiwale: This way to Ramlila Maidan

Ramlila Maidan in Delhi hosts annual Ramlila performances, a cultural tradition reflecting history, community, and the lives of its diverse audience.

The Ramlila at Ramlila Maidan in 2023. (HT Photo)

Delhi

Updated on Oct 04, 2024 10:31 PM IST

ByMayank Austen Soofi

Delhiwale: 23 years after Stein

This Sunday marks the 23rd anniversary of architect Joseph Stein's death, celebrating his legacy through 23 key contributions to Delhi's architecture.

Joseph Stein’s modernistic designs took cues from India’s past, each consisting of a bunch of buildings fused with trees, gardens, pools. (HT Photo)

Delhi

Updated on Oct 04, 2024 05:34 AM IST

ByMayank Austen Soofi

Delhiwale: Kashmere Gate blues

Kashmere Gate’s colonnade gets a fresh blue coat, but the area’s charm is fading, overshadowed by modern businesses and memories of its past.

Kashmere Gate’s Bara Bazar is a sprawling enterprise filled with a variety of businesses. The blue is limited to its handsome colonnade that overlooks the historic St James Church. (HT Photo)

Delhi

Updated on Oct 03, 2024 05:06 AM IST

ByMayank Austen Soofi

Delhiwale: This way to Haveli Anwar Ali

Haveli Anwar Ali in Old Delhi blends residences and shops, with a historic gateway. Intekhab Ali reflects on change and his family's legacy amid modernity.

Intekhab Ali administers a long-time stall at the doorway. (HT Photo)

Delhi

Updated on Sep 28, 2024 05:40 AM IST

ByMayank Austen Soofi

Delhiwale: First sighting

Saptaparnis are blooming in Delhi, notably in Connaught Place, with their fragrant flowers set to peak from mid-October to December.

Saptaparnis at B Block in Connaught Place’s Inner Circle. (HT Photo)

Delhi

Updated on Sep 26, 2024 10:30 PM IST

ByMayank Austen Soofi

Delhiwale: Elegances taken for granted

The sandstone darwaza of Sri Digambar Jain Mandir in Old Delhi captivates despite nearby clutter, showcasing the city's rich, often overlooked doorway artistry.

The sandstone entrance of Sri Digambar Jain Mandir. (HT Photo)

Delhi

Updated on Sep 26, 2024 02:07 PM IST

ByMayank Austen Soofi

Delhiwale: ‘Wah wah, ati sundar!’

Every second Saturday, Ghalib Academy in Delhi hosts a poetry recital with free chai and samosas, welcoming poets from diverse backgrounds.

On a longtime monthly tradition. (HT Photo)

Delhi

Updated on Sep 25, 2024 05:54 AM IST

ByMayank Austen Soofi

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Mayank Austen Soofi

Mayank Austen Soofi is a writer-snapper trying to capture Delhi by heart.

The revamped terrace garden above Palika Bazar in Connaught Place offers a blend of urban life and serenity, inviting diverse visitors to enjoy its new charm.

Paharganj's vibrant tea culture features iconic stalls like Shailain’s and Bhola Tea, offering unique brews and experiences in a lively hotel district.

Faizan, a young storyteller from Delhi, shares his journey of friendship and writing, blending Hinglish to engage youth, with a story on smoking's impact.

Poonam feeds four dogs daily at Delhi's Tibetan Market, finding joy in the routine despite her busy life as a businesswoman.

In Old Delhi, a funeral procession halts traffic as mourners carry a janaza to a graveyard rich with history, housing notable figures and well-maintained graves.

Connaught Place's charm lies in its iconic columns and lush trees, including unique hybrids and massive specimens that enhance its historic atmosphere.

Zubair Ul Hasan reflects on his contrasting life in Old Delhi and Amsterdam, as he prepares for marriage while adjusting to a new job abroad.

On Diwali, barber Ramchander lit diyas and shared insights on life, happiness, and family, reflecting on his village roots and daily struggles.

Mahila Haat, initially a failed artisan market, has transformed into Delhi's vibrant Sunday Book Bazar, attracting thousands and preserving its literary roots.

Morena, known for its dacoit legacy and rich gajak tradition, sees stalls pop up in winter, offering a variety of flavors from authentic local recipes.

Manikchand's Om Sai Ram Tea Stall in Mehrauli, near Qutub Minar, tells a tale of resilience after quitting a job, serving chai daily at just 10 rupees.

Mehrauli, rich in history, features royal and sacred graves, including Emperor Iltutmish and Sufi mystic Hazrat Khwaja Qutubuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki.

In central Delhi, a sleek skywalk offers a serene refuge amid chaos, where citizens share meals and find peace, contrasting the busy city life.

Daulat ki chaat, a winter dessert of whipped buffalo milk and cream, debuts in Old Delhi, blending tradition and seasonal flavors.

Delhi's pollution looms as a young writer reflects on a suffocating city in his poem, expressing a deep, tender rage against time and existence.

Old Delhi's Cotton Market, known for its cotton goods, connects Urdu Bazar and Chandni Chowk, featuring vibrant shops and bustling food stalls.

As the sun sets over Charles Correa's Jeevan Bharti in Connaught Place, the building transforms into a breathtaking spectacle of light and shadow.

Aezaan Sahil aspires to be a film actor, inspired by his father's unfulfilled writing dreams. He balances work, study, and his passion for acting.

Rajesh, a Delhi ironer, shares his life struggles, emphasizing work, family, and dreams for his children's education in a heartfelt interview.

In Old Delhi's Gali Salim Mohd Shah, sparrows thrive amidst malti vines, offering a rare moment of peace in the bustling Walled City.

In the 1970s, Banda Hasan, known as Khan Chacha, popularized street food in Khan Market, now a pricey area with hidden affordable eats.

During Navratri, a 20-member bhajan group in Ghaziabad sings devotional songs at their temple, blending tradition and friendship in sacred music.

As it happens, Swapnil did end up writing a poem on his immediate world, although in French, which he learned only this year.

Ramlila Maidan in Delhi hosts annual Ramlila performances, a cultural tradition reflecting history, community, and the lives of its diverse audience.

This Sunday marks the 23rd anniversary of architect Joseph Stein's death, celebrating his legacy through 23 key contributions to Delhi's architecture.

Kashmere Gate’s colonnade gets a fresh blue coat, but the area’s charm is fading, overshadowed by modern businesses and memories of its past.

Haveli Anwar Ali in Old Delhi blends residences and shops, with a historic gateway. Intekhab Ali reflects on change and his family's legacy amid modernity.

Saptaparnis are blooming in Delhi, notably in Connaught Place, with their fragrant flowers set to peak from mid-October to December.

The sandstone darwaza of Sri Digambar Jain Mandir in Old Delhi captivates despite nearby clutter, showcasing the city's rich, often overlooked doorway artistry.

Every second Saturday, Ghalib Academy in Delhi hosts a poetry recital with free chai and samosas, welcoming poets from diverse backgrounds.

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