- By Iram Hussain
- Thu, 25 Sep 2025 02:07 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Old Delhi resonates like the heartbeat of a living poem, and its narrow alleys are alive with history, the air dense with tales and aromas that linger like a whisper. My recent visit to Jama Masjid was a complete cathartic experience, not just because of the spiritual calm it offers but also for the vibrant life that surrounds it. As the call to prayer echoes, the sprawling courtyard begins to fill with worshippers, their footsteps soft against the ancient stone. Then, the streets come alive with the aroma of sizzling kebabs and simmering nihari, inviting everyone into a celebration of flavour and faith.
Let me take you on a journey to one of Old Delhi’s most immersive evenings where serenity rests in the shadows of minarets and every second has a narrative.
Golden Hour At Jama Masjid: A Personal Moment Of Nostalgia
Visiting Jama Masjid in the evening brought back such sweet memories. I got there shortly after the sun began to set and the light looked so beautiful across the domes and minarets. I found a cosy spot to take it all in, a little corner with an unobstructed view of the mosque with its rooftops lit beautifully; what a lovely part of the day. While, I was observing the crowd as well as the gorgeous play of lights and shadows, I suddenly got nostalgic about a visit with my parents long back that hit like a very special memory.
Maghrib Prayer: Finding Spiritual Connection
As the time of Maghrib drew close, the tranquillity of Jama Masjid generated a steady influx of worshippers, moving and filling the prayer hall, enriching a transformative prayer space for each devotee present. I was inspired to take my place in the congregation and perform Salah within the walls of this fascinating mosque.
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The Culinary Magic Outside Jama Masjid
The atmosphere was amazing as the aromas of tender kebabs and nihari mingled with the delectable scent of rumali roti straight from the tandoor and soft naan. Street vendors were grilling kebabs all around me and the hiss of the kebabs sizzling and the peppers crackling caused my mouth to water. I stopped to watch a man behind a small stall preparing naan by tossing the dough in the air with his palms. I was completely fascinated as the thin and silky piece of dough twirled and spun in the air before it perfectly landed on the tawa.
Tranquility beneath the majestic minarets of Jama Masjid (Image Credits: Canva)
Al Jawahar And The Shahi Korma That Stopped Time
Old Delhi caters to every food lover's delight with standbys like Karim's and Shubrati Nihari. That night at Al Jawahar, the sumptuous, perfectly spiced Shahi Korma made time stand still as the meat melted away and the gravy clung to the soft naan. I didn’t merely feel full, I felt fed, loved and completely at home.
The Chaotic Charm of Old Delhi's Market Lanes
Life in the spaces between Jama Masjid's narrow lanes hummed with a noise all its own. Vendors shouted out trays of bangles, attar and many other things. Within this chaotic beauty, I had little pauses where I saw an elderly man sip chai in silence and I saw an elderly couple eating a simple meal without speaking.
A Last Glimpse: Moment Suspended In Amber Light
As I took my final look back, Jama Masjid illuminated softly, its historic minarets unmoving in the distance. I felt small, yet grounded, not necessarily from the food or the moment in history but from the rare feeling of stillness. In our rapidly moving world, such places remind us to slow down, breathe and actually live.