Another landmark fades from Connaught Place

With the closure of the famous and beloved Snowhite showroom in Connaught Place, the hearts of countless Delhiites are likely to be affected, as many had purchased clothes for various occasions from here for decades. A favourite for many generations in the Capital, it recently closed its doors. It had been running since 1945 in the Inner Circle at D-8. Its story is not just about clothes but also about a city’s memories, families, and changing fashions.

Special place

During the wedding season, long lines would form outside. Office-goers, college students, and tourists all visited. Known as the heartbeat of Connaught Place, this showroom was more than a shopping spot. It was a market of memories. Every generation found its fashion here.

Living story

As evening fell and the lights of Connaught Place came on, Snowhite would shine brightly. Crowds gathered outside, while families shopped inside. It was not just a showroom but a living story of Delhi. When people stepped into Snowhite, time seemed to stop. On the left was the children’s section with colourful frocks, Tommy Hilfiger T-shirts, and jeans. On the right were clothes for women from brands like Louis Philippe, Van Heusen, Allen Solly, and Colour Plus. Men’s suits, blazers, and leather jackets were also available. Upstairs was the bridal and groom section, where brides picked veils and grooms chose sherwanis. All leading brands were present. The shop walls were decorated with old photographs that let visitors glimpse Connaught Place of the past.

Atul Bhargava, President of the New Delhi Traders Association, says Snowhite was the soul of Connaught Place. The Kheda family, the owners, did not close it because business was weak. They will probably rent out the space now.

Permanent vaccum

Over the years, Connaught Place has lost many other landmark shops and restaurants that once defined its charm. These closures have slowly changed the character of this historic market. One such place was the Central News Agency (CNA), a bookworm’s heaven that shut down after decades of serving readers. Started in the 1960s, it was famous for newspapers, magazines, and books. Generations of Delhiites would stop by to pick up their daily reads or rare titles. Its closure left a void for those who loved the smell of fresh print and quiet browsing corners. “After CNA was shut, I virtually stopped visiting Connaught Place. For several decades, I used to purchase newspapers, magazines, and books from there,” recalls author and poet Dr Ravindera Kumar.

Odeon Sweet House

The sweet aroma of nostalgia has also faded with the closure of Odeon Sweet House, a beloved destination for pure vegetarian mithai and savouries. For decades, its rossogullas, rasmalai, and hot jalebis drew families and office-goers alike. Nearby, the iconic Madras Hotel, known for its authentic South Indian filter coffee, crisp dosas, and idli-vada, served as a comforting pit-stop for countless Delhiites since the 1950s. Both these establishments were more than eateries. They were cultural landmarks where friends met, families celebrated small joys, and the flavours of old Delhi lingered long after the meal.

And who can forget the Regal Picture Hall? Opened in 1932, this grand single-screen cinema was the first in New Delhi. It hosted films, ballets, plays, and concerts for over 85 years before closing in March 2017. Its final show marked the end of an era for movie lovers who enjoyed the grand architecture and old-world cinema experience. The hall later became home to a wax museum, but the magic of its silver screen is gone forever.