GUWAHATI: A fire broke out at Delhi’s Dilli Haat market in the INA area on the evening of Wednesday, April 30, causing extensive damage to the popular cultural and commercial venue. The blaze began around 8:55 PM, triggering a rapid response from the Delhi Fire Service, which deployed 14 fire engines to contain the flames. No casualties have been reported.
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Roughly 30 shops, including several food stalls and handicraft outlets, were gutted in the incident. Shopkeepers reported severe financial losses, with some estimating damages running into crores. One vendor said he had lost goods worth ₹1.5 crore, while another stated that his entire livelihood, set up through loans, had been wiped out.
Videos circulated on social media showed thick smoke and towering flames engulfing the market, underscoring the scale of destruction. The fire’s cause remains unknown, and an investigation is currently underway.
Dilli Haat, operated by the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC), is a well-known hub that showcases crafts, textiles, jewellery, ceramics, and regional cuisines from across India. Artisans are granted stalls on a rotational basis under government schemes supporting rural craftspeople and self-help groups. For many sellers from remote regions, Dilli Haat provides rare access to urban markets and a platform to sustain traditional crafts.
The site also houses a food court representing culinary traditions from various states including Nagaland, Bengal, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Kashmir. Known for cultural performances, art exhibitions, and festivals,
Dilli Haat has long served as more than a marketplace — it is a centre for celebrating India’s diverse cultural identity. The fire has disrupted not only business operations but also the livelihoods of craftspeople and small-scale food entrepreneurs reliant on the space.