Articles by Mayank Austen Soofi
Delhiwale: Into a rafoogar’s heart
Inam Khan, a rafoogar from Khureji, specializes in darning torn clothes in Old Delhi. He dreams of bringing his life back to its former glory in Najibabad.
Updated on Mar 28, 2024 05:36 AM IST
Delhiwale: Citizen Shabana
Shabana, a mother of three, navigates Delhi's streets collecting discards with her children in tow. Her husband's injury has made her the sole breadwinner.
Updated on Mar 27, 2024 06:12 AM IST
Delhiwale: Talking of colours
Delhi's District Park in Hauz Khas Village is about to be adorned with striking shades of red as pilkhan trees dress up in new leaves, resembling a Holi celebration.
Updated on Mar 26, 2024 02:17 PM IST
Delhiwale: This way to Haveli Azam Khan
The Walled City dictionary — As part of our ‘Walled City dictionary’ series, that is chronicling every Old Delhi locality
Updated on Mar 23, 2024 05:15 PM IST
Delhiwale: The seller of diaries
Nitin Kumar sells diaries near R.K. Ashram metro station to fund his studies and pursue his dream of becoming a police officer, breaking a family tradition.
Updated on Mar 22, 2024 03:21 PM IST
Delhiwale: Chronicling the march of time
Purani Dilli's historic quarter is undergoing profound changes, from new buildings to personal transitions, altering the fabric of daily life.
Updated on Mar 21, 2024 05:22 AM IST
Delhiwale: Farewell to Sona
The mysterious disappearance and tragic fate of the handsome dog Sona, who was a beloved resident of a Ghaziabad apartment complex, leaves his human friends in sorrow.
Updated on Mar 20, 2024 05:48 AM IST
Delhiwale: Gearing up for Holi
Spring in Delhi brings a burst of colors with flowers like kachnar, Caribbean Trumpet, and bougainvillea. Even the city's public spaces are painted in vibrant hues ahead of the late Holi festival on March 25.
Updated on Mar 19, 2024 05:42 AM IST
Delhiwale: New in HKV
Delhi's newest bookstore, Promenade Books in Hauz Khas village, revives the spirit of the area's rich literary past with rare and forgotten titles, events, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Updated on Mar 18, 2024 05:50 AM IST
Delhiwale: This way to Gali Mazar Wali
The 'Walled City dictionary' series explores Old Delhi streets. Gali Mazar Wali features a mysterious grave, surrounded by legends and colorful signages.
Updated on Mar 16, 2024 06:16 AM IST
Delhiwale: Peepal watching
Delhi's peepal trees are shedding leaves in a unique pattern, signaling the onset of dry months. Some are bare, some are sprouting new leaves, creating a moody yet surreal landscape in the city.
Updated on Mar 15, 2024 05:55 PM IST
Delhiwale: Two Paharganj shots
Paharganj's Madan Café and Café Festa offer a serene escape from the hustle, serving delicious vegetarian dishes with a touch of nostalgia and artistic flair.
Updated on Mar 14, 2024 02:31 PM IST
Delhiwale: His story in history
Cab driver Taran Pal Singh's routine drive is interrupted by a call about his family's pre-partition roots, revealing a hidden connection to Rawalpindi.
Updated on Mar 13, 2024 02:48 PM IST
Delhiwale: The hajamat arbour
Anwar's serene pavement stall under a luscious banyan tree in central Delhi offers haircuts and shaves. A unique haven amidst the bustling city life.
Updated on Mar 12, 2024 06:04 AM IST
Delhiwale: His extraordinary morning walk
Arshad Fehmi's morning walk on his Old Delhi roof offers a unique perspective on the city's historic Jama Masjid and New Delhi landmarks, away from the noisy streets.
Updated on Mar 11, 2024 02:35 PM IST
Delhiwale: Michael for Sunny
Michael Marchant, a photographer from Switzerland, visits Sunny’s grave in Delhi's Indian Christian Cemetery, where he feels a connection with the deceased.
Updated on Mar 11, 2024 02:30 PM IST
Delhiwale: Into a cab man’s soul
Cab driver Rajneesh, a simple person, values humanity and his family's happiness. He admires Ambedkar, runs a pizza outlet, and studies law. He aspires for beautiful handwriting.
Updated on Mar 11, 2024 02:25 PM IST
Delhiwale: Into a cab man's soul
Proust questionnaire with a fellow citizen.
Published on Mar 07, 2024 06:54 AM IST
Delhiwale: A tale of two temples
Two temples in Gurugram, one dedicated to Guru Ravidas with a peepal tree, the other to Bhagwan Krishna with a neem tree, each unique in their surroundings and ambiance.
Updated on Mar 05, 2024 10:53 PM IST
Delhiwale: Midnight’s graves
Living relatives visit the dead on Shab-e-Barat in Delhi's Panj Peeran graveyard. Some graves are crowded with visitors and lit with candles, while others remain untouched.
Updated on Mar 05, 2024 02:15 PM IST
Delhiwale: Midnight's graves
Visiting a qabristan during a special night.
Published on Mar 05, 2024 04:03 AM IST
Mayank Austen Soofi, New Delhi
Delhiwale: Platform arbour
Gurgaon railway station to be revamped under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme with 19,000 crores. Will the lush trees be part of its ambitious future?
Updated on Mar 04, 2024 02:52 PM IST
Delhiwale: Vikram Seth’s florist
VIPs frequent a historic florist shop near famous literary figures' homes in Nizamuddin East, Delhi. Founded 35 years ago, it remains a local landmark.
Updated on Feb 29, 2024 11:56 PM IST
Delhiwale: The return of red and green
Mixed feelings arise after the restoration of sufi shrines, erasing unique red and green colors, but recent efforts bring back lost colors, reviving the mystics' legends.
Updated on Feb 29, 2024 05:46 AM IST
Delhiwale: Waiting for Godot
Retired school teacher Gulam Muhammed Malik embodies Samuel Beckett in Delhi, sharing his life philosophy in a Proust Questionnaire session.
Updated on Feb 27, 2024 04:33 PM IST
Delhiwale: Songs of semal
Delhi's tolerable season arrives with the blossoming of semal trees, adding vibrant red hues to the cityscape. Explore these stunning sights across the city.
Updated on Feb 26, 2024 05:10 PM IST
Delhiwale: This way to School Wali Gali
The Walled City dictionary: As part of our ‘Walled City dictionary’ series, that is chronicling every Old Delhi aspect
Updated on Feb 24, 2024 06:18 AM IST
Out in the civil season
Delhi's serene Civil Lines in Gurugram offer a magical escape with historic Church of Epiphany, peacocks, chai stall, and delicious chhole bhature at Civil Line Walla.
Updated on Feb 23, 2024 05:42 AM IST