When Shahjahan decided to establish his imperial city based on the Agra model, several businessmen and craftsmen followed him to Chandni Chowk. The Baniya community settled in Katra Neel and named it after their god Neel Kanth Mahadev. Neel means blue and is used even today to denote indigo, a whitening agent. Katra Neel was, therefore, a locality famous for indigo manufacturers and traders. Katra Neel is now a wholesale cloth bazaar situated next to the famous historical gate of Katra Neel, significant since the 1857 uprising.

The market is located in a narrow lane with shops lining both sides. Shopping here takes you back in time as you experience the old world charm with a lot of Mughal architecture on display. This market is a one-stop shopping destination for all your wedding requirements from wedding attire to jewellery and footwear. There are many shops catering to menswear as well and one of the first Raymond’s outlets was established here.

With one of the oldest temples of Maa Kali and historical temples established during the freedom struggle, the market gives you a quiet place to stop and reflect.

As you tick off most of the things from the wedding list, you can buy the Mehandi considered mandatory around wedding time as well. The famous wholesaler in Katra Neel is the only seller of mehndi with enormous piles of mehndi on display. So next time there is a wedding in the family you must make the effort to trek up to Katra Neel in Chandni Chowk and you won’t be disappointed.