It’s the holiday season. A time to abandon yourself to all kinds of indulgences festivals, culinary delights— and shopping.
Let’s see who India’s flea markets are pulling in.
College girls, giggly schoolgirls, housewives, cool dudes from campus— all looking for a good bargain. Even wealthy folk can’t resist the allure of the magic of a flea market trawl and the unexpected treasures that turn up in their bags when they are done. And it's so much fun…even kids can tag along and find something that wins their fancy.
Flea markets gained popularity and hype for selling second-hand vintage items, but over the years have embraced a wider collection of preloved goods for sale at bargain prices.
People have been known to even develop it as a hobby, and go exploring flea markets around the world, from London to Paris to New York…returning home triumphant with their loot. Some even get into becoming collectors of bookmarks, coins, maps, porcelain and what not.
Affordable retail therapy, knowledge gathering and time well spent in a lovely ambience blended with commerce and culture it’s all rolled into one wonderful holiday package.
Follow your passion…Pause…breathe and simply join the fun the jostling crowd at a flea market…it gives you another high.
Mumbai
Chor Bazaar — Also known as the bazaar of thieves had an iffy beginning…being just that. But overtime it’s blown into a full-fledged Alladin’s cave of unimaginable treasures for shoppers of all callings. From antiques to cameras, gramophones, paintings, vintage crockery, furniture and Bollywood posters, old typewriters…even airplane spare parts, there’s something for everyone and all kinds of pockets. And often as not it can be easy on the pocket as well. Open every day except Fridays.
Delhi
Sarojini Nagar Flea Market— Diplomat’s wives, college girls and harried housewives thrill to Sarojini Nagar’s Flea Market’s welter of goods on display. From high fashion rejects to sun goggles and costume jewellery, from school bags and sweaters to dhurries and household linens, you can mix and match it all with your moods and your needs at bargain rates. Shopping for a clingy party gown or a pretty nightdress, jeans or Ts, blingy handbags or mirror- encrusted Gujarati tribal bags, was never so easy and fun.
Sunday Book Bazaar—Delhi’s fabled second-hand book bazaar is a paradise of plenty for bookaholics. Buying books at unimaginably low prices or finding a rare first edition inspires whoops of joy. Sunday Book Bazaar joyously supports your inner bookworm who’s always thinking that ‘there is always room for one more’. Walter Benjamin was in accord with us when he said” We collect books in the belief that we are preserving them when in fact it is the books that preserve their collector.” You can always create a Christmas book tree if you run out of space!
Goa
Anjuna Flea Market — Running alongside the beach in north Goa, this iconic weekly flea market has been a magnet for locals and visitors for western goods from the hippie era of the 60s. From handicrafts to trendy Western boho clothes to beach wear, hats, handmade jewellery, souvenir items, spices, it’s got it all. Today you’ll also find a jolly line-up of Tibetan, Kashmiri, Rajasthani and Gujrati stalls hawking all kinds of items. It's a lovely spot to enjoy the chaos and colour and great energy every Wednesday. There are also plenty of food stalls to indulge your taste buds. Live music and the buzz of the lively crowd add to its rich atmospherics.
Arambol Flea Market — Smaller and more friendly, it starts getting really active as the sun disappears into the sea. Vendors set out their goodies on display on the beach. Get a tattoo, have a tarot card reading, enjoy some snacks, go shop for handmade soap, dreamcatchers, healing crystals, and ittars. Soon after dark, musicians start jamming, keeping the crowd entertained by the light of the moon and to the sound of the rhythms of the night sea. Wrap up your evening with a delicious meal—both local and international cuisines are on offer here.
This is a good start-up list for some great flea market experiences. Ask local friends and family for their favourites— some can be even just pop-up affairs!