India "Like Marmite. Love it or loathe it."

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Shopping in India

India is a shopper's paradise, a statement that has not been told without a reason. Be it handicrafts or herbs, paintings or antiques, traditional garments or modern fashion statements. India has everything to offer. The whole country is a shopping mall, with sellers offering some of the most exotic products one can find anywhere. The bustling bazaars of the country can make even the most unwilling person a prospective client. Shopping in an Indian bazaar can be overwhelming if you don't know what you want to buy. Shopkeepers will inundate you with options, prices and colors before you even know what you want to buy. One way to make shopping easier is to have an idea of what you'd like to buy before you set out.

The amazing thing about Delhi is, it always seems full of markets-wholesale retail, specialist and utility markets-and yet, every year or two, a new market bursts upon the scene and everyone declares that it is the last word on the subject. Dilli Haat, with its village-like environment and artistically designed buildings, is the hottest place for the people looking for handicrafts, paintings, and ethnic food. As the items change every month. There is always the renewed interest in the place. Talking of ready-mades-salwar kurtas, nighties, housecoats, gents', and kids' wear-Delhi has a whole hierarchy of stores selling these items at Lajpat Nagar, Khan Market, Shankar Market, Palika Bazaar, and others. Santushti, opposite Hotel Ashoka, offers some highly original creations in women's wear, jewelry, ceramics, rugs, furniture, and knick-knacks. However, if it is the cream one wants, he/she should try South Extension or that peach of a shopping place, Connaught Place.

Connaught Place (or CP) is the place to shop in style. Even today, when the complex is but a pale shadow of its former self, it gives one's spirits a lift just to look at the sweep of white columns and the elegant façade of the shops. One can buy anything here-clothes, handbags, shoes, jewelry, household linen, crockery, books, furnishing material, music, gift items in wood and metal, cloth and papier-mâché. The arcades of CP are alive with groups of Rajasthani women selling handcrafted items in appliqué and mirror work. Here one can pick up anything from cushion covers and bedspreads to wall hangings, shirts, and bags, worked in the most vivid colors. Paintings in the Pichhwai style are there for sale too.

Leading off CP is Janpath, the street of endless fascination, with its small but festive-looking shops that cater primarily to westernized tastes. Accordingly, these shops are full of ethnic stuff-handloom garments, Kolhapuri chappals, costumes, jewelry that has distinct tribal overtones, bags, hand-woven rugs, glassware, lamp shades in cloth, lace or rice paper, wall plaques…the list is endless. It stretches some more if one reaches the Tibetan market, at the far end, where each shop is a burst of bric-a-brac in copper and oxidized silver, prayer rugs alive with dragons and jewelry, which sometimes borders on the outlandish, but is always bold and eye catching. Precious and semi-precious stones are available too, notably turquoise, coral, lapis lazuli and the mysterious moonstone. However, to see Indian handicrafts in all their traditional glory and diversity, a trip to the Central Cottage Industries Emporium, also on Janpath is a must. The emporium is representative of the best in traditional Indian craft. Antique pieces are also available here. On Baba Kharak Singh Marg, there is a string of emporia that specialize in the crafts of individual states. With a choice of things one has never dreamt of before, they present a feast for the eyes! Likewise, the state pavilions on Pragati Maidan stock are known for handcrafted items. Look out for rainbow-hued saris, shawls, and floor coverings in particular. Khan Market has a whole range of lamps and other light fittings.
 

Events

Ramdeora Fair

Starts: Sunday 29 August
Ends: Monday 30 August