Joelle Lifestyle - The World at Home

Because of my profession, the decision to rush to the Delhi Craft Museum on the last day of my stay was made very conscientiously. I knew it was a must but had no idea that place, together with its shops, would turn out to be one of my favorites in the world, due to a great concept of its own.

There is a simple reason the Moghuls, and later the British, lusted after India: Its fabulous wealth and treasures – from emeralds the size of eggs to sumptuously embroidered fabrics. Say goodbye to the tat of the past, swept away by the rising expectations of Delhi’s shopping middle-class, and prepare to be dazzled by the wares of the world’s biggest bazaar and shopping madness!

Indian perfumes or attars, as they are called, have a small but committed clientele. At a marvelous 1868 old-fashioned fragrance shop in Old Delhi, Krishna Mohan Singh describes the centuries-old art of blended scents that goes into their making, and the available varieties.

India is a mosaic of different religions varying from the ancient animistic beliefs of the tribal communities to the rigid orthodoxies of the Hindu caste system. I wandered through different degrees of spiritual energies, absorbing openhearted all that surrounded me with great passion and an observer’s devotion.

Stroll one afternoon at Chandni Chowk in the heart of Old Delhi. Cashmere shawls, gold and silver embroidery, jewelry, enamels and carpets are to be found where both religious activity and commerce mix happily together. Two musts: bring your camera and fill your pockets with plenty of rupees.

Vivaha or traditional marriage in India, becomes for a man an important institution, a bonding with his partner not only in this lifetime but, supporting the Hindu belief of reincarnation, in all lives thereafter. I run in the direction of what is going to be the most incredible experience I have ever lived in the last few years…

Check the favored destination for this Capital’s cool crowd of businessmen, socialites, stylists, artists, as well as the global traveler, where distinct experiences seamlessly string together from breakfast to dawn!

My body aches, I am a wreck and still terribly jet lagged. Moreover, I need a suntan and I honestly could do a break from the city traffic, holy cows, and dust. I decide to have a look at the Oberoi’s recently renovated magnificent Spa.

This grand Mosque built in 1695 by the emperor Shah Jahan on a natural rocky outcrop, took six years and 5,000 workmen to construct at a cost of nearly a million rupees. It accommodates up to 20,000 people at prayer times especially during Friday prayers and on Id, it looks like a sea of worshipers. Barefoot, I am climbing my way to one of its minarets.