As the mercury dips, pop-up markets selling winter wear come alive across the state capital. These bargain bazaars promise to warm your heart without burning a hole in your pocket.
An annual ritual of sorts, these bazaars sell the entire range of winter clothing and accessories at unbelievably low prices—if you know your chops.The Tibetan woollen market near Sangam Talkies is among the most sought-after of these haunts.
The market is exclusively run by refugees from the scenic yet politically complicated Himalayan nation.The Tibetans arrive in early November each year. The duration of their stay in the city depends on the weather and the number of footfalls at these markets.
"Bhopal is like a second home to me. I first came here as a young lad of 12. I'm 62 now," says Dorjee, who runs shop no. 4 at the Tibetan Market near Jyoti Talkies.
His compatriots are allotted shops at three city locations, including Sangam Talkies, Tin Shed, and MP Nagar Zone 2.The Tibetan markets this year are offering their winter wear staples between Rs 1,000–1,500, but prices could go up to Rs 5,000 for some high-end pieces.
If Tibetans hold sway over woollen sweaters, the cluster of nearly 140 outlets belonging to local entrepreneurs opposite Lily Talkies has a near monopoly over jackets and blankets.The presence of the Bhopali businessmen adds to the vibrance of the bazaar with the heavily accented humour they use to break the ice before warming up to the negotiation.
The goods sold at the market are mostly sourced from Ludhiana and Delhi, but some of the outlets also offer jackets imported from Thailand.
The prices for jackets start at Rs 350, while single-ply blankets start at Rs 280 per kilogram."We try to create a range to cater to an array of tastes, as this market attracts people from all walks of life," says Javed, who has been selling here for the last 30-odd years.
He says the Bhopali market opens a fortnight after Diwali, when firecracker retailers wind up their business for the year. The market wears a festive look as customers stroll across shops during the day, arguing and haggling over prices with shopkeepers who are reluctant to offer discounts.
The Tibetan Market Association does not allow discounts. A shopkeeper selling his goods below the rate fixed by the union ends up paying a fine. The Bhopalis have no such qualms. They often turn the buying and selling process into a battle of wits.
Several snack vendors lazily roam the area in search of the hungry. Their presence adds to the laid-back winter afternoon feel that attracts customers to the area.Business is brisk in the evening. People sometimes stop by to pick up something to wear while on their way to a social engagement.
Winters coincide with the peak wedding season in Bhopal.Speaking of the festive mood, Mohammad Anas, a market veteran, says, "It's a way to overcome stress. Our business solely depends on the weather. We’re like farmers with no irrigation facilities."Though spoken in jest, his words carry deep meaning, shedding light on the challenges these vendors face in bringing us the bargains and warming our hearts.
