Book lovers' paradise

Situated inside the walled city of Shahjahanabad, Old Delhi, Daryaganj is host to one of the most famous Sunday book markets in the capital. It is spread over a distance of about two kilometres and offers books of numerous genres, ranging from children’s books, fiction, non-fiction and history, along with cheap stationary and office utilities, to devoted bookworms.

One can find people of all ages and occupations parading the frenzied and congested pavement searching for their desired books, from as early as nine in the morning.

Joan Sony Cherian, 19, from St. Stephens College, a first time visitor to Daryaganj, says, “I have never seen such vast collection of books at such a low price. I somewhere feel that the owners themselves don’t know the real value the book holds, which is obviously beneficial for us. I just bought some of my favourite books for Rs 300 per kilo.”

Shiyashi Batauni, a first year student of Lady Shri Ram College says that though one can buy books at very cheap rates at Daryaganj, things get tough when one wants to find a specific book. “It is equivalent to finding a needle in the haystack,” she says and adds that the search is extremely tiring, and many a times, unfruitful.

Playing on any booklover’s ideal dream of cradling amidst a pile of books, the variety available at the market, more than often, lures one into buying more than intended. Ritu Prashansa, from Dayal Singh College says, “I have already spent around Rs 2,500 since morning. I had come to buy my course books, but couldn’t hold myself back from the guilty indulgence.”

Even after the availability of a wide range of books, there are many who never seem to find a book of their liking. “I have been coming to Daryaganj since the past four years; however I have never brought anything from here. I like to read non-fiction but the choices  are limited here. Thus, I prefer to shop online. However, I have suggested this place to as many as 15 friends, who have become regular visitors,” says 25-year-old Gaurav Singh.

On asking what draws him to Daryaganj even if he never finds books of his liking, he says, “This place somehow reminds me of my hometown, a bit messy and bustling with energy of people who have come together in a communion of sorts. It makes me want to re-visit the place time and again.”  

Thus, Daryaganj book market is undoubtedly a book lovers’ paradise, rendering one spellbound and making one want to return for more.