Daryaganj is one of the busiest and most congested localities of Delhi -gets its name from the fact that, once upon a time, the river Yamuna used to flow near it. Daryaganj is known for its distinctive style of architecture with circular columns and semi-circular arches designed for both winters and summers. The houses are also large and spacious with fireplaces in most, showing the British influence.
Today Daryaganj has offices of some of the most well known distributors, publication houses and organizations of the country apart from several good Indian restaurants. Some of the better known places of Daryaganj include Golcha, one of the oldest cinema halls of the capital, Delhi Book Store, said to be the Asia's largest medical bookshop, Moti Mahal Restaurant widely known for its Mughlai dishes and Lahore Music House, reputed for dealing in musical instruments.
But what makes Daryaganj really popular, especially amongst youngsters, is the fact that it houses one of the most extensive second hand book outlets – the old book bazaar - where book lovers and students come from various parts of the country to purchase books at throw away prices every Sunday. Stretching over a kilometer on the pavements of Daryaganj, this book bazaar has been a special feature of the area for the past three decades and there is something for every book lover out here.