Majnu Ka Tila, also known by other names such as New Aruna Nagar, Chungtown and Samyeling (which literally translates into taking refuge), is one of India’s largest Tibetan colonies established in the year 1950. It has now become a popular tourist attraction of Delhi.
It is situated between the Yamuna River and one of the oldest Sikh Shrines in New Delhi, the Majnu ka Tila Saahib Gurudwara. The closest metro station is Vidhan Sabha; a five minute e- rickshaw ride from this station brings us to our destination. Though the name of this place is a source of great fascination for most, only a few know about the story behind it. One can find multiple renderings of this story, the most popular of which relates to “Abdullah Majnu,” a Sufi mystic, who during the days of the Delhi Sultanate ferried devotees free of cost across the Yamuna River to meet Guru Nanak, who resided on the other side of the river. Thus, the Majnu Ka Tila Saahib Gurudwara was built under the leadership of Baghel Singh to honour Abdullah Majnu.
The Entrance to Majnu ka Tila
Majnu Ka Tila, fondly known as “MT,” though situated in Delhi makes one forget that it is in fact in Delhi. It is a great place for socializing as one meets visitors from all over the world here, thus, enabling us to work on our “cross-cultural competence.” The place comprises amazing cafes, shops selling Tibetan shawls, crockery, latest fashion wear, decorative items and fascinating restaurants specializing not just in Tibetan cuisine but also in Nepali, Naga, Chinese and Korean dishes, thereby attracting huge crowds of students
Local Tibetan shops selling Tibetan crockery, junk jewelries, shawls and Buddha idols
Few know about Ama Restaurant which serves flavourful Tibetan and Chinese delicacies
Situated at its heart is the sacred Buddhist temple and a small monastery where many monks can be seen chanting prayers and turning the prayer wheels clockwise to send their prayers to heaven; thereby purifying negative energy and accumulating good karma and wisdom. I was told by one of the monks that inside the wheels lie scrolls containing prayers which multiply with each turn. I remember finding myself at peace and sitting for hours around the temple with my bowl of Laphing, watching a fruit seller with his basket of fruits tied to his cycle, standing at his spot and selling precisely cut seasonal fruits with a faint smile on his face as the aromatic fragrance of the incense sticks and the “clickety-clack” of the prayer wheels faded with each passing hour.
Every passerby makes sure to send their prayers by turning the praying wheels
As one steps in, it feels like one is carried to a whole new world, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The narrow lanes do not stop one from enjoying the visuals found at every corner. Winding alleys, curving lanes and narrow corridors make the place unique.
The narrow lanes echo calmness which takes us away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life
The place appears unique and vibrant with attractive visuals at every corner
Having a voracious appetite for authentic cuisine, I frequently visit MT to enjoy delicious meals. My favourite meals being pancakes and baked beans for breakfast at Ama Cafe and the authentic Tibetan dishes like Chicken Thukpa and Tingmo at Hot Pot.
Serves a wide range of authentic cuisines such as Tingmo, Thukpa and Steaming Rice with Chicken Liver and Gizzard.
However, what fascinated me the most about MT was its inclusive nature. Despite being a Tibetan settlement area, I observed that there were shopkeepers and people from the other regions of India, mainly the north eastern region, working here; which speaks of the warm and welcoming nature of the place and its people. Delhi continues to surprise me with its enchanting places. I am looking forward to discover more of Delhi!
This is what some frequent visitors had to say about MT:
“Squeaky little lanes with people all around, A Place often crowded yet nerves it calms.
The Centre is a Square with “Laphing Aunty” by the Corner,
Men-Women encircling her and she serving them with the speed of a Performer.
Small shops that smells of incense from the hills, cozy little cafes with food that works as Happy Pills.
A Colony of Refuges they say. Well! Actually a Place that gives refuge to all any day.”
-Diksha Limbu
“This place is very unique in its own sense. No matter how busy the streets are, you’ll never get lost here. I find myself at peace when I am here. This place has a vibe of its own.”
– Swarna Ahlawat
“Undoubtedly gorgeous and now home to many too- if only I knew how to classify the majestic enchantress that MT is!”
-Roinem Mossang
-Compiled by Akansha Bharali, Ridhima Gandhi and Nandini Lohia
Rediscovering Delhi 