Chandni Chowk
The story vividly describes the city of Delhi in the early twentieth century. It brings alive the buzz of the Chandni Chowk alleys. The wailings of the wandering fakirs (ascetics), the cheering of the kite-fliers, the rendition of qawalis (songs), and the echo of azaan (call for prayer) make the narrative lyrical. Even ordinary sounds like a crying child or a chirping sparrow contribute to the story’s soundtrack. The fragrance of jasmine flowers and the aroma of medicated oils and perfumes evoke a sense of nostalgia.
Eid Celebrations
The novel captures the festivities of Eid in Delhi. It describes the hustle and bustle near the Jama Masjid on the eve of the festival. Thousands of people, decked in their finest attire gather at the mosque for the evening namaaz (prayer session). After the prayer, they throng the markets for clothes, toys, perfumes, dry fruits, henna, and bangles. The colorful sherbets (juices) and the aroma of kebabs and biryani symbolize the end of the fasting period. The vibrant imagery allows the reader to assess the spirit of the Eid festival.
Asghar’s Wedding
Ali’s depiction of Asghar’s wedding shows his respect for the Muslim culture. He passionately describes the grand ceremony, the lavish customs, and the minor family debates. It is interesting to observe that the mundane zanana section becomes the center of activity. In a world filled with gloom and despair, the wedding makes everyone happy. The novel introduces the reader to Muslim customs and traditions. The groom's family prepares the bride's wedding trousseau. Three days before the wedding they wrap the bridal clothes, scatter them with rice as a good omen, and send them to her house. The family members pamper the bridegroom with delicacies such as betel leaves, crystallized sugar, and sweets. The bride arrives in a palanquin and is welcomed with an elaborate ritual. The groom's family bathes her feet in milk and adorns them with silver amulets. The extravagant ceremony consolidates Mir Nihal’s social and financial status in society.
The Coronation Ceremony
The novel describes the colonial intrusion of Delhi that divests the city of its glory and grandeur. The city prepares to redesign itself according to the whims of its new rulers. The central causeway of Chandni Chowk is demolished, and the peepul trees are felled to accommodate the Coronation Durbar. The ceremony takes place at Jama Masjid. A jubilant crowd rallies to welcome King George from the very spot where its people were massacred in the 1857 revolution. As the city remodels, its inhabitants choose to forget the past and embrace a new future. Mir Nihal watches the coronation with a feeling of remorse and disgust. He blames the citizens for lack of courage. He laments the loss of Muslim aristocracy and returns home.
