Is Sundar Nagar really sundar.

[Text and photo by Mayank Austen Soofi]

A rose smells like a rose. In a world that feels uncertain, that is reassuring. But names don’t always carry such certainty. Take a locality in East Delhi. Despite its name, Khichdipur doesn’t smell of khichdi.

Delhi, in fact, is crammed with places whose names have drifted away from their literal meanings. Like a kati patang, a kite cut loose in the wind.

Consider the elite Friends Colony and New Friends Colony. Are their residents friendlier than residents of other ‘hoods? Is Shadipur listed in any record book for hosting the maximum number of shaadiyan (weddings)? Is Swasthya Vihar especially known for swasthya (health)?

Truth be told, the rooftops of Sunlight Colony are not notably solar-powered, and Maujpur does not seem to offer more mauj (fun) than anywhere else.

Gole Market is an exception. It lives up to its name. It really is gole (round). Spare some accolade for Chirag Delhi as well. It does have its chirag (lamp) in the form of a shrine to a Sufi saint, who is linked to the miracle of lighting lamps with water instead of oil.

One locality stands out most starkly for its unusual name. During an aggressive phase of population control, plots were offered to those willing to undergo nasbandi (vasectomy). Soon enough, a neighbourhood in Ghaziabad came to be called Nasbandi Colony. (Note: it is amply populated).

Other names, other questions. Are homes in Deep Vihar lit with rows of deep (lamps) each night? Does Prem Nagar hold more prem (love)? Is Noor Nagar illumined with noor (inner light)? Is God partial to Bhagwan Park and Ishwar Colony? Is Satya Niketan rich in satya (truth)? Do people in Mithapur speak more mitha (sweetly)? Are there more teachers in Teacher Colony? Is Anand Vihar full on anand (joy)?

What about the chand (moon)? Does it shine brighter over Chandni Chowk and Chandni Mahal? Is it more loyal to Chand Vihar?

Last but not least, is Sundar Nagar really sundar (beautiful)? It is! At least these days. Bright bougainvillea bushes are spilling over the house walls of this super-rich neighbourhood. Jacaranda trees are in bloom, along with yellow buttercup flowers. One Sundar Nagar bungalow partly covered in flowers is looking quite sundar—see photo.