India’s bazaars have a type of magic associated with them. They induce an irresistible urge to own all the things you see around. The bazaars have a mind-blowing assortment of items that will force you to become a shopaholic. Apart from supporting the existence of Indians by selling essential commodities, these bazaars are essential parts of our civilization. There is a sense of delight in the chaos, crowd and cacophony existing in these markets. Usual Indian markets can be found in every corner and alley of this vast nation. But there are some markets that are very unique and we present such a list for your reading today.
Ima Keithel, Manipur: Meaning “mother’s market”, it is world’s largest “All Women Market”. More than 5,000 women shopkeepers can be found in this market. This 150 year old market is the biggest market and the lifeline of the state. Apart from fresh vegetables, fruits and other essential commodities, Ima Keithel is well known for its curio shops and specialty Northeast clothing shops. The market is situated in the heart of Manipur’s capital city, Imphal.
Jonbeel Market, Assam: This is surely “rarest of rare markets” where the Barter System is still alive! The market is available for only three days, during the Magh Bihu weekend at Dayang Belguri, Joonbeel (near Jagiroad in Morigaon district). The rarity of this fair lies in its dealings – your usual currency will not work here. Trading at this market works on the ancient Barter System. Various nearby tribes such as Tiwa, Karbi and Khasi come down from the hills to visit the fair and they bring along with them stocks of grains, livestock, fish, etc. When you buy something you have to give an equivalent amount of stocks you have brought. Started in 15th century, to bring unity among various tribes of the region, this fair is going great guns till date.
Floating Market, Kashmir: It is one of a kind floating market in India and second of its kind in the world. The only other floating market in the world is along the backwaters of the Mekong Delta in Vietnam. Floating Market on the famous Dal Lake is at least two centuries old, but gained international attention in 1960, when a Japanese photographer featured it in a tourist guide. If you want freshest vegetables in India, then this is the destination. It is learned from the locals, that the fruits and vegetables sold in the Shikaras are cultivated on the banks of the Dal Lake and cultivated no more than 2 hours before market sales time. The operation hours for the market are between 5-7 AM every day.
Attar Market, Uttar Pradesh: If Kannauj is known as the Scent Capital of India, it owes largely to this market. For the alleyways of Kannauj market teems with fragrance of finest attars. Scented oils, rose water, incense and highest quality attar are the specialities of this market. There are more than 650 perfumeries housed in this market. There are attars and scents for particular seasons available at this fragrant market. Kannauj and its market have been known for its perfumes and attars since the time of Harshavardhan, making them oldest attar market in India and probably in Asia.
Sonepur Cattle Market, Bihar: It is the largest cattle market in Asia and the market starts during Kartik Poornima (in the month of November) on the banks of Ganges. It is a one month long market-cum-fair. The origin of this market has been traced to ancient times, and it is learned that even Chandragupta Maurya used to buy elephants and horses from the market. Animals such as: all breeds of dogs, buffaloes, donkeys, ponies, Persian horses, rabbits, elephants, goats, birds and occasionally camel can be bought at the Sonepur market.
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