“That’s why we go to the streets, right?” asks Sneha Premnarayan, a Mumbai-based stylist, “especially towards month-end when we can’t afford to be hoity-toity about brands. Shopping streets is where we go.” How true!
But price isn’t the only reason why people gravitate towards such streets. “What you find on streets you rarely find in the mall, however hard you try,” Sarita K, a mother of two from Delhi opines, “especially junk jewellery.” Many will agree to that too.
So the reign of shopping streets has been undiminished all over India. And while walking through them, one can’t help but marvel at the diverse personalities of these shopping streets. They range from Delhi’s chaotic, grimy nook of Chandni Chowk to the fashionable baubles strewn on the cobbled streets of Mumbai.
But what do these places really have in store for a shopaholic? Read on:
Chandni Chowk, Delhi
The oldest market of Delhi needs no introduction. But it sure needs sound mental preparation to step right into the labyrinths of Delhi’s rustic streets that pride themselves in selling great quality traditional wears aka saris and Punjabi suits pumped up with intricately designed jewellery, all for so cheap that you could buy a flight ticket with the money you save.
Yes, Chandni Chowk is a shopper’s paradise if there’s a wedding around the corner. This market can dress you in good quality traditionalattire without threatening bankruptcy. Apparels from here are sent in bulk to the corners of our country where they are sold at exorbitant price. But here, under the chaotic criss-cross of naked electric wires, they’re oh-so-affordable!
What to buy: Traditional Indian clothes, chunky jewellery, shoes.
Alternatives: For those not keen on doing Indian suits, head to Sarojini Nagar or Janpath for inexpensive western wear.
Colaba Causeway, Mumbai
This one you can say is the Chandni Chowk for western dressing. Every fashionable outfit will find its inexpensive cousin dangling from a hanger on this street. All this stashed on the cobbled streets of Mumbai and under the sober gaze of the colonial stone buildings;a perfect blend of old and new world.
Here, you find a treasure of trinkets, bags, clothes and footwear, most in bold colours and adventurous designs.
What’s more, this street is dotted with old Iranian restaurants (that have undergone renovation and look new now, by the way) for a quick bite in the midst of a rigorous shopping spree.
What to buy: Trending western clothes and accessories
Alternatives: A stone’s throw away from Colaba Causeway is the Fashion Street of Mumbai that has even cheaper alternatives, but the quality is questionable.
Bapu Bazaar, Jaipur
Nothing can describe ‘ethnic’ better than Bapu Bazaar in Jaipur. Colourful merchandise – be it clothes, bangles, trinkets or jutties – burst out of holes in the walls here. And man, do they sweep you off their feet.
If Rajasthan is the most visited state in India, then Bapu Bazaar by default becomes the place where most tourists shop in India. And the pressure to be great as a shopping street is understandable.
So prices here are tad on the higher side. But the place surpasses expectations when it comes to shopping for souvenir rich with culture. Bapu Bazaar has all kinds of items that spell India in bold and underlines it with culture. Moreover, it’s all dunked in the beautiful Rajasthani flavour to make it look prettier.
What to buy: Anything that has batik, sanganeri or bagru printed on it. Yes, the traditional prints are characteristic to this Bapu Bazaar. And you get suits, shoes and even bed covers with these prints.
Alternatives: Those craving for ethnic lehriya should dash to the famous Johri Bazaar, also housed in the pink city.
New market, Kolkata
This one came into being 150 years ago, thanks to Sir Stuart Hogg. And so was named Hogg’s market. It’s the one stop-shop for a street shopper in Kolkata.
Here you get stuff ranging from books to gramophone records to clothes, shoes, household items, accessories sprawled on its street, and sometimes on the bonnets of cars parked alongside.
The rule here is to bargain hard and you can get away with stuff costing 60 per cent cheaper than the quoted price.
What to buy: Authentic Bengali saris, trendy clothes and household items
Alternatives: Park street is a more upmarket alternative with branded stores, eateries and book stores lined up in a colonial setting.
Commercial street, Bengaluru
This one lies in that corner of Bengaluru where you shop when you have newly moved into this city. Here you will get everything you require to set up a base and all at affordable prices.
What this one lacks is a solid character reflecting the city. This street has turned commercial with piles of household items, clothes, linens, food items lining its footpaths. But no one’s complaining because this is the one street people turn to when they have a full day reserved for shopping in Bengaluru.
What to buy: Everything domestic
Alternatives: Those looking for hep options can turn to Church Street near MG Road. It is the mini version of street giants like Colaba Causeway. But will suffice your huger for street shopping if trinkets and junk is your craving.