Decoding Chandni Chowk: Ajit Pawar Unveils NDA Chowk’s Enigmatic Tale

The inauguration of the Chandani Chowk Flyover marked a significant moment, prompting Ajit Pawar to recount the intriguing history that bestowed this name upon Pune’s iconic bridge. While officially known as NDA Chowk, the bridge has garnered fame over the years as Chandni Chowk, perpetuating a captivating tale that has captured the city’s imagination. Amid discussions on traffic congestion and its role as a focal point, the question arises: Why the name Chandni Chowk? Ajit Pawar shed light on this enigma during a recent Bhar program.

Unraveling the Origins of Chandni Chowk’s Name

Ajit Pawar shared that the true nomenclature of the square in Municipal Office as NDA Chowk, yet the appellation Chandni Chowk has prevailed over time. Folklore recalls a moonstone etched into the bridge’s stone, sparking the local belief that this lunar association led to the name Chandni Chowk. Conversely, some attribute the name to the convergence of multiple roads at this juncture, resulting in intricate road layouts akin to Delhi’s famed Chandni Chowk.

Fearless Punekars                                                                                                                                                        

Beyond Chandni Chowk, Ajit Pawar celebrated Punekars’ distinct penchant for creative nomenclature. Renowned globally, Punekari patyas (witty slogans) occupy a national platform of discussion. Even the divine is not spared from their inventive nomenclature. Pune’s deities bear unique names, illustrating this daring spirit. Names like Kathung Vithoba, Pasodya Vithoba, Jilbya Maroti, Modi Ganapati, Khunya Maroti, Dadhiwala Dutt, Sotya Mhasoba, Upashi Vithoba, Gudge Modi Mata, Bajirao Mandir, Mati Ganapati, Guchup Ganapati, Gundacha Ganapati, and Khunya Muralidhar grace Pune’s spiritual landscape. Pawar lauded Pune’s inhabitants, affirming their boundless ingenuity and unapologetic flair for naming conventions.