Nai Sarak: A Historic Delhi Market Facing Modern Challenges

Nai Sarak, once a bustling hub for bookselling and publishing in Delhi, holds a special place in the city’s literary history. For decades, it reigned supreme, attracting publishers and booksellers, particularly those who migrated from Lahore after the partition of India. These newcomers set up shop, and the area thrived with the buying and selling of new and used books. The market overflowed with stalls and shops, some established, others makeshift arrangements on tables and stools, all displaying a treasure trove of knowledge waiting to be discovered.

However, the 1970s ushered in a shift. Many publishers migrated to Daryaganj, which eventually became India’s biggest publishing hub by the 1990s. Nai Sarak, meanwhile, began to face challenges. The rise of online bookstores offered convenience and a wider selection. Book piracy and increased photocopying services impacted sales. Additionally, foreign publishers setting up shop in India meant new textbooks were readily available at competitive prices. The consequence for Nai Sarak was a decline in business, with reports of sales dropping by a staggering 60-70% in 2017 alone, leading to numerous shop closures.

Despite these challenges, Nai Sarak remains a historic landmark in Delhi’s literary landscape. While its future might be uncertain, its legacy as a center for knowledge and bookselling is undeniable.

Nai Sarak, which translates to “New Street” in Hindi, is a bustling road in Old Delhi connecting the iconic Chandni Chowk to Chawri Bazar. This is the reason it is also known as Chawri bazar book market. It’s a paradise for bookworms, housing a massive wholesale and retail market specializing in school and college textbooks.

Here’s some information about the market:

• Opening hours: The Nai Sarak weekly book market is open from 11 AM to 8 PM on weekdays and Saturdays. On Sundays, however, the market is closed. There is one exception, Vikas Prakashan, one of the oldest booksellers, which is open for a half day on Sundays.
• What to find: You can find a wide variety of books at the Nai Sarak Book Market or Chawri bazar book market, including new and used textbooks, novels, academic books, children’s books, and more. You can also find stationery items like pens, pencils, notebooks, and paper.

• Finding Nai Sarak is easy:

  • If you’re coming from Chandni Chowk, take a left turn after Gali Paranthe Wali (Street of Paranthas) and just before Katra Nawab Gali.

  • Public Transport:

    • Metro: The nearest metro station is Chandni Chowk Metro, which is about a 600-meter walk from the market. Alternatively, you can get to Chawri Bazar Metro Station and hire a cycle rickshaw for the last leg of your journey.
    • Bus: Several buses stop along Nai Sarak Road, including routes 164, 419, 502, 144A2, 790A2, 729, 402CL, and 951.
    • Taxi: You can always take a cab from anywhere in Delhi to reach Nai Sarak Market. Coming from Jama Masjid? Take a right turn from Chawri Bazar Road.

    Also, check Daryaganj Book Market– The cheapest book market