Member countries of Organization of the Islamic conference (OIC) constitute approximately one fourth of the whole population of commonwealth nations. This percentage goes up to 50% if Muslims populations from non OIC countries are included.
Highest group of 450 personnel and athletes participating in commonwealth games among Muslim countries are coming from Malaysia, followed by Nigeria, Cameron, Bangladesh and Pakistan.
Beside UK, Australia, New Zeeland and Canada, Delhi is expected to have a tourist influx from countries such as Bangladesh, Malaysia and Pakistan. As such there will be a considerable number of Muslims among the 100,000 visitors expected for the games.
In order to cater to the needs of Muslim athletes and other ethnic groups, games organizing committee has arranged for catering services to meet the diverse ethnic, religious and dietary requirement while also showcasing Delhi's local cuisine.
In India there are still no widely accepted Halal standards and certfication for restaurants. However the Meat served during the game to athletes would be Halal as per the statement of Organizing committee consultant (catering). It is also a great place for good and tasty vegetarian food; which can be a good substitute in case of uncertainly of the Halalness of the food available.
New friends colony near Jamia Millia Islamia area, Nizamuddin and Old Delhi are the major hubs for Halal restaurants offering some delicious Indian food. Karim's Hotels, located in Muslim populated areas of old Delhi near Jama Masjid and Nizamuddin near Dargah, is ranked amongst top restaurants in Asia by Time magazine and have a unique set of Mughlai dishes. Fasttrax is another chain of restaurants serving Halal meat based burgers, samosas, rolls, sandwiches etc.
Most major Hotels in Delhi do not have information on Qiblah direction, salaath times etc. Even the games village which is located off the National Highway 24 at the Noida intersection, doesn't have easy access to a Masjid. As such prior preparation will be good.
Medical tourism, especially ayurvedic and Unani based, is also expected to get a big boost during the games. Unani medicine (part of ayurvedic industry) is completely prepared using halal ingredients and dominated by Muslim owners like Hamdard, Rex, Dehelvi, Shama etc.. They provide traditional treatment for various medical conditions.
Read our Overview of Delhi to see what you could do while in Delhi.
