"What do you sell, 0 ye..."
-Sarojini Naidu
A Bazaar or Souk (Arab term for market) is a place where goods and items are exchanged among people which can be related to money terms or a barter deal. The word “Bazaar” originated from the Persian word “Bazar” notably meant as a “network of merchants, bankers, craftsmen”, as in ancient times people of all stature, i.e the bourgeois, traders & artisans all sat at one place to do their work. And now this word has a vernacular acceptance throughout the world. Even though now the banker and artisan have their shop, while Bazaar is now only remained for the sellers and customers. But this word is now being used widely for large group vendors who are selling their items from one place. Today Bazaar is considered as a heartbeat of a city and many have become popular tourist spots recognized under UNESCO World Heritage Site, like the Medina of Fez, Morocco; Al-Madina Souq, Aleppo; Bazaar Complex of Tabriz, Iran, etc.
Coming to India, it also has few large established markets which are world-famous and they donate a lot in the economy, namely, The Chandni Chowk Market in Delhi; New Market, Kolkata; Chor Bazaar, Mumbai & Floating Vegetable Market, Srinagar. Bazaar/market are basically of two types – Permanent & Seasonal. The first one refers to the kind which operates daily, i.e they have a settled place where they buy or sell their items, some of them have built their shops while some have fixed their place to serve. Later one, on the other hand, is periodic type, as it held yearly/monthly. But this story is of a local market of a small town which does not have that much recognition in a macro view but definitely, I can guarantee the town cannot run without it.
This photo series depicts the essence of a local Bazaar in my vicinity. It also has a similar vibe to other popular Bazaar. If it is divide into four halves, the front side deals with grocery and the sweet shops while the rear entirely dedicated to the people selling vegetables and fruit. The center has meat and fishmongers while two adjacents deal with the repair and the daily household(clothes/utensils). The main road runs on all four sides surrounding it.
As one enters the market he/she comes into contact with the daily hubbub and the confusion. Everyone is in a phase of motion and trying to grab the things at once. The sellers are continuously trying to get on their price with the buyers while the latter is always bargaining. Along with the commotion, one can hear songs of the golden age playing on a loudspeaker contrasting with the ringing of the cycle and the hawker's voice who have their rhythm. The fish/meat section of Bazaar has a different hold on the people. It is the most crowded place and is filled with people who are never satisfied with the price. Never the price which is uttered first is received or given. But at some point, they both agree and the transaction comes to an end. The Bazaar is alive every day at around 9:00 am whilst the sellers wrap up by 9:00 pm, the photostory also progresses likewise in all respects.
The Bazaar opens the sellers to prepare themselves for the rush.
The daily hubbub begins.
Both parties are satisfied and have agreed to each other.
Trying to select the best among the good.
An appropriate prize received.
Towards the next shop.
Cajole in the fish market.
Caught red-handed while trying to get a hand on one of them.
All's well that ends well.
The knell has rung.
Sacrificed for human desire.
Meat market wrapping off for the day.
Gripped by calmness.
It's all over for the day.
See you again tomorrow.
I was completely averse to going to Bazaar until I thought to create one photo story on it, believe me if we stop complaining of the smell, messy & smothering environment of the bazaar (though we actually cannot), it is a good place to note and have fun with the moments. It is filled with hilarious expressions, efficient & obstinate buyers, and sellers with a feeble yet absurd mindset. The situations along with the unrepeated sounds always fill the air making the scene even more enjoyable to observe. Give yourself a chance to visit the local Bazaar, I am sure though dirty and cramped, it still has its charm.
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