A Visit to The Local Bazaar
I am sure not one of us has ever given a second thought to our local bazaar. We visit it often, complain about its claustrophobic set up and the non-availability of items (which a super market is sure to have) and finally get back with our essentials after dodging people, two wheelers, a couple of dogs and an odd cow!
I was totally averse to going to the bazaar as a teenager and always sat at home or at the most in the car. This trend carried on till I had a family to run. When in small cities, in remote locations, the local bazaar is all that we have and are totally dependent on it for our domestic needs. Before long, I was even looking forward to an outing to the Bazaar-the slush, dog. cow and crowds notwithstanding. If you detach yourself from what is happening in a Bazaar and observe it as an outsider you will find the scene hilarious, pathetic and yet incredible. The hustle-bustle of such a place is worth watching. The vendors at their efficient and stubborn best warding off hagglers and the customers, usually women not giving up a chance to make a bargain are a sight to see!
There is something so charming about the simplicity and unpretentiousness of a bazaar that despite being uncomfortable and dirty, it lures you.