Kolkata with its rustic by lanes and bustling bazaars makes for every shopaholics dream destination. Although there exist no dearth of bazaars and markets in the city of joy, when asked about the quintessential place to shop, Gariahat Market is the first name which comes up. Its sprawling maze of flea shops and stalls houses everything one can imagine.
The fervor towards shopping will lead you to the colorful camaraderie of ethnic wear products and accessories found at this market located at the crossroads of Gariahat Road and Rasbehari Avenue in the Ballygunge area of Kolkata.Let’s take a journey into the in numerous shopping avenues and find the best picks from the flea markets of Gariahat.
What’s The History?
Originating around the colonial era British Raj, Gariahat market has since been developed as the trade market within Southern Kolkata region. From its advent in the early 20th century, Gariahat and its surrounding markets have been widely recognized for representing Indian arts and crafts through an eclectic mix of products one can imagine. Housing more than 2000 flea vendors and stores, Gariahat market is aptly described as the colorful capital of Kolkata.
What To Shop?If you are visiting Kolkata and are not sure where to shop, trust us and head towards Gariahat Market. For the market caters to ethnic Indian products ranging from clothing, jewellery, accessories, electronics, furniture and plants. Spanning across footpaths and bylanes, the market offers a sea full of shops, stores and vendors selling everything one can imagine.
Crowded with shoppers from all age groups enthusiastically looking at the variety, let’s take a deeper look into what Gariahat market has to offer :
1) Sarees :
The best traditional and trendy sarees to buy in Kolkata. Hands Down. Gariahat market is aptly described as the saree capital of the country being home to a vast varieties of ethnic sarees in rich colors and fabrics. One of the most popular attire adorned by Bengali women, the market offers a bespoke collection of silk sarees such as - Benarasi sarees, Tussar silk sarees, Kanjeevaram sarees, Kantha silk sarees, Vishnupuri silk sarees and more. Suitable for festivities and occasions, silk sarees are readily available at affordable prices provided you can strike a good bargain!
Apart from silk, one of the most popular fabric worn by women in India is cotton and Gariahat market houses a mind boggling range of beautiful cotton sarees in delightful designs and pretty patterns. Being home to a variety of cotton looms and weaves, West Bengal is famous for cotton varities like – Shantipuri Cotton, Dhanikhali Cotton, Phulia Cotton and Begumpur Cotton – each having a signature finesse and feel to it. Gariahat market has shops and vendors brimming with the most elegant cotton saris in warm colors and bold borders. You can also find pure hand loom cotton sarees from a number of handicrafts emporiums and specialized stores in the market.
With changing times and trends, women are also choosing fashionable fabrics like georgette, chiffon, sheer and others. Crafted with heavy stone and zari work, Gariahat market is flourishing with beautiful designer and festive sarees in all their glory.
2. Suits :
If you are done saree hunting in Gariahat market, you can set your eyes on exclusive designer suits and salwar kameez. Similar to the mind boggling variety of sarees, you will be spoilt for choice when shopping for ladies suits with exquisite embroideries and materials. Available in all sizes and prices, you can find high quality suits and salwar kameez in vibrant colors like blue, purple, magenta and others at value for money prices. Gariahat market is where every pleat of fabric turns out to be perfect! You can also visit authentic handloom stores for exquisite Indian suits in vivid styles and fine fabrics.
3) Accessories :
It is said there is no household in Kolkata that doesn’t have something or the other brought from Gariahat market. From traditional Bengali jewellery houses to chic stores with artifacts and accessories, you can immerse yourself in an entire world of accessories. One can easily find - silk purses, jute bags, leather goods, neck pieces, earrings, bracelets, amulets, anklets and other types of jewellery for every budget. Contemporary yet modern, you can also shop for precious and semi-precious stones and gems. Besides modern accessories and jewellery items, Gariahat market is brimming with ethnic Bengali neck-pieces such as – Chatai Haar, Phul Haar, Paati Haar, Ghunshi Haar and other intricately crafted women bangles and jewellery. A treasure trove indeed!
4) Everything Else :
It would be unfair to term the Gariahat market as a place only for the shopper. Apart from beautiful clothes and accessories, it has shops and vendors selling electronic items, hair and beauty products and cosmetics, wooden antique furniture items and plants. The local shops also sell crockery, cutlery and home decor products to give a custom touch to your adobe. Not to miss is the delicious food items including Bengali specialties and other cuisines as well. From the local flavors ‘Telabhaja’ and ‘Puchkas’ to classic street grubs like cutlets, samosas and rolls, the market offers huge a rich variety of restaurants and eateries to gorge on. After all, one really does need a tummy full for shop hogging in Gariahat Market!
A potpourri of ethnic Indian products, garments, furniture, accessories and jewellery, Gariahat market caters to the eclectic taste of local and tourist populace looking to shop their heart out for authentic, artsy and unique products at reasonable prices. Once there, you will be amazed by the sheer vastness of products brilliantly displaying our culture, craft and tradition in awe inspiring fashion! A must visit for its high octane energy and kaleidoscopic variety of products, Gariahat Market paints a perfect picture of Indian talent and craftsmanship with its flea market and shops.
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