In the hustle-bustle of asli or authentic Indian marketplaces is where you discover the true spirit of a town or a village. Not at malls, of course, ever. Or newer market areas. But in traditional bazaars. Also called mandis (मंडी). Or hath (हाट)
It's all about observing what's on sale. The entire range of it. And watching how the folks go about getting the top picks or haggle for best prices. And absorbing the rhythmic but cheerful chaos of these markets. Mayur Sanap has a dekko at some of India's most beautiful bazaars.
Now a major tourist attraction, especially on Fridays, at this north Goan bazaar, Goans find everything under the sun. Many stalls are dedicated to homemade fiery red sausages, known as choris. Lots of booze outlets. Numerous spice shops and places to buy poi (Goan bread). Anjuna Wednesday market, 7 km away, gets the tourists too but Mapusa is the real thing.
A stroll through this market in the capital city of Nagaland is about peeking into indigenous food habits of the locals. Here you can see a variety of wild-grown veggies, chillies, mushrooms, meats, dry fish and bamboo baskets full of silkworms, a local delicacy that has important place in the Naga cuisine. It is an experience in itself to see such a vibrant market.
A covered baajaar, once called Sir Stuart Hogg Market (for the chairman of the Calcutta Corporation), also referred to as Hogg Shaheber Bajaar, this once very elegant marketplace was built by the British in Victorian-Gothic style & inaugurated January 1, 1874. 2,000 plus stalls sell Bandel cheese, lace, flowers, shawls, marzipan. Jewish bakery Nahoum & Sons is one of its most famous establishments.
Its official name might scare you off, but tropical Havelock Island's sabzi mandi, run mainly by the Andaman East Bengalis, who migrated here from refugee camps post-Partition, is one of the nicest places to buy veggies in India. Locally-grown eggplant, okra, gourd, bitter gourd, greens, sindhoori mangoes, greens sells, along with Kolkata cabbage and Chennai tomatoes. Don't forget to chat with the locals,
Jaipur is well-known to be a shopper’s paradise. The famed Bapu Bazaar in the old city area is where shopping and cultural enthusiasts make a beeline for, to experience the best that the city has to offer -- bandhani by the metre, silver jewellery, camel leather goods, mojris, lac bangles, bags, embroidered items, pottery, bedspreads.
In Kochi, Broadway succeeded Mattancherry to become probably the oldest Ernakulam shopping hub. For over a century, at Broadway -- named so as it was the first Ernakulam tar road -- with a little browsing you can find anything... Christmas stars, Kerala spices, cloth, fruits (great plantains), vegetables… the list is endless like the bustling narrow lanes of this market. Look out for Pen Doctor, Bharat Coffee House.
At Sarojini Nagar, South Delhi is a labyrinth of lanes that constitutes Meena Bazaar where the fashionable come looking for trendy stuff. Apart from apparel, the market also has a variety of footwear, accessories, jewellery and home décor items to keep visitors busy, happy and bargaining away.
The wonderful Ladakhi culture is on full display around here. Draped in shawls and sweaters, given the perennially cold temperatures in the region, the smiling faces of the bazaar vendors will immediately entice you to buy loads of handicrafts, local handloom, fruits, jewellery and much more.
Raghurajpur is where Odisha's heritage craft tradition stays intact and where one can see the incredibly unique craftsmanship of the local people. Given its rich cultural significance, Raghurajpur is now revered as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
In the shadow of the gorgeous Charminar is this famous 16th century Hyderabadi market that literally glitters with golden yellow hues from the reflection of the many delicate bangles for which the market is mainly famous for. That's why it has been named Churi Bazaar too. And laad means lacquer. Other notable Andhra and Hyderabad handicrafts can be found too.
Secondhand or new? Stolen or legit? Such questions will pop up in your head as you stroll through Mumbai’s sprawling Chor Bazaar. Don’t be surprised if you spot the stolen logo of your bike or car here :) Along with the craziest of knickknacks like ancient postcards, coal-run steam irons, old-style furniture...
Chotanagpur, the plateau on which most of Jharkhand is situated, has fascinating village markets selling mainly vegetables but also baskets, matting, ribbons, bangles, handmade soap (not the luxury variety), honey, wood, neem toothbrushes. The Wednesday market at Pithoria, Kanke Block, outside Ranchi, is an example, but every area has a weekly bazaar worth a visit.