Unusual Markets

If you think that terms like strange or unusual are only associated with haunted places then we are sure that you might get shocked after reading this blog. You must have shopped in the iconic street markets of India and even across the world but the list of unique markets below will surely blow your mind. Being one of the most diversified nations on the globe, India has countless types of markets that are a means of livelihood to a majority of the people. In this blog, we will take you on a tour of unique Indian bazaars that would leave you spellbound.

If you want to know about the famous street markets of India then do read the blog Paradise for Shopaholics.

1. Ima Keithel, Manipur
   Popularly known as mother’s market, it is the only market that is completely run and organised by women. Over 3000 women irrespective of caste, creed come together in this market and sell several types of food, handicrafts and other household products. Located in the capital city of Manipur, this market dates back to the 16th century. Ima Keithel market is well known for its Northeast clothing shops. This market is not only an iconic place to get hands-on traditional items but also a must-visit place for tourists. “Ima” in Manipuri language means “mother” and that is why this market is known as mother’s market.

   

2. Kannauj Markets, Uttar Pradesh
   Did you know why Kannauj is known as the Scent Capital of India? Situated on the banks of the river Ganga in Uttar Pradesh, Kannauj is an old perfumery town. This market offers more than 650 varieties of scents, fragrance rose water, incense and supreme quality attar. The distillation and preparation of attar appears to have been introduced from Persia into the town. Famously known as the capital of the Harsh Vardhan Empire, it houses sandalwood distilleries, attars and scents for all the seasons.

   

3. Jonbeel Mela, Assam
   One of the “rarest of rare markets” where the Barter System is still practised. The market takes place only three days during the Magh Bihu (Makar Sankranti) at Dayang Belguri, Jonbeel near Jagiroad in Morigaon district. The Jonbeel Mela derives its name from the banks of the moon-shaped water body on which it is held, Jon and Beel, which means moon and wetland. Usual currency does not work here, trading here takes place on the ancient Barter system. Tribes such as Karbi, Khasi, Tiwa, and Jayantia come down from the hills to exchange merchandise, agricultural produce, grains, livestock, fish with the local non-tribals of Assam and Meghalaya. The market can be traced back to the 15th century.

   

4. Majnu ka Tilla, New Delhi
   Located in the Tibetan colony of North Delhi and a popular place amongst DU students, the market hosts shops that sell flip-flops, bags, posters, tees of Tibetan deities, pendants and CDs and DVDs at affordable rates. Do not forget to visit the Handicraft Emporium where you can get your hands on all kinds of Chinese wall hangings, paintings and jewellery. Apart from shopping, you can also try prominent restaurants here like Tee Dee restaurant and Dolma restaurant which serves authentic Chinese dishes.

   

5. Floating Market, Kashmir
   It is one of a kind market in India and second of its kind in the world. Located on Dal lake, the floating market of Kashmir is two centuries old. It gained international attention in 1960 when a Japanese photographer featured it in a tourist guide. The fruits and vegetables sold in this market are cultivated on the banks of Dal lake and are harvested 2-3 hours before being sold. If you are a hoarder of fresh fruits and vegetables then this market is for you. The fruits and vegetables sold in the Shikaras are cultivated on the banks of the Dal Lake. Market opens up everyday between 5-7 AM. The other floating market in the world lies along the backwaters of the Mekong Delta in Vietnam.

   

6. Chor Bazaar, Mumbai
   Chor Bazaar is one of the largest flea markets in India. Earlier named as shor (meaning commotion, noise) market, the name chor (meaning thief) bazaar came into being due to a British pronunciation. You can find all types of legal, illegal, patented, unpatented, broken, mended and sometimes even your own stolen belongings here. If you want to buy second-hand goods, antiquities, curios and vintage products then this market is for you.

   

7. Sonepur Cattle Market, Bihar
   

   

   Largest cattle market in Asia, the market is set up in the November month (during Kartik Poornima) on the banks of river Ganges and Gadhak. It is a market-cum-fair that lasts up to a month. Origin of this market can be traced from the ancient times during the reign of Chandragupta Maurya. People in this market come from distant places and carry out trading of almost all types of animals. Animals like dogs, buffaloes, donkeys, horses, camels, birds and poultry are traded at the Sonepur market. One of the biggest attractions of the market is Haathi bazaar in which Elephants are decorated and lined up for sale.

Tell us your experience in the comments below if you have been to any of the markets. If not then, book your tickets now to any of these places through Trainman app. Download Trainman App and check PNR Status of booked ticket, Running Status of your train, Seat Availability and so on.