A topical post as this is Diwali time in Delhi. The postcard above is from 1919 and shows Diwali sweetmeat sellers in Shahjahanabad/Old Delhi. The picture is numbered but the postcard publisher isn't mentioned. There is no inclination of where the picture was taken either.
In early 20th century Delhi, Diwali decorations came in the form of Pannah work (tin foil) on the walls of houses and doors. This was tinted with coloured varnish serving as a gold tinsel. People would cover their doors with tin foil and then paint foliated patterns as Diwali decorations. These were temporary of course, and would feature alongside with clay diyas (oil lamps). One can imagine that the sweetmeat sellers above would have throngs of customers buying sweets for their family puja (prayers) during Diwali season.
A short post this week but see you next Friday for more on Delhi's history.
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