A Visit to the Flea Market

From the outside what looks like a crammed neighborhood, opens up to a huge field with a fete-like commotion. Once known as Mumbai’s Shor bazaar, later rechristened to Chor bazaar(a.k.a. Jumma bazaar as referred to by natives), comes alive in the wee hours of Friday. Chor bazaar (thieves market), is one of the oldest (150 years) flea markets in the country. Though, its former name Shor bazaar, still befits its noisy chattering of sellers and even noisier buyers.

Accompanied with a friend I enter the market much before the dawn breaks, as suggested to us by some frequent visitors. It was really difficult to see much amidst the hullabaloo and the dark of the early hours. Slowly as it shone upon us, we could to see more than a hundred traders, offering anything to everything that could fit on the mat (mostly made out of old newspapers) upon which the stolen goods were kept. The first sight was that of umpteen mobile phones, ipods, mp3 players, transistors, audio cassettes,and others going back as far as gramophones and their LPs. Then there were other electronics ranging from televisions, both new and old (including an LCD), washing machines, computer monitors, laptops, juicers, mixers and grinders, irons, etc. Then there were jeans, trousers, shirts, lowers, uppers of any brand you could name along with a good pair of shoes to go with them. There were watches, sunglasses, a huge array of antiques, jewellery, household crockery and cameras.

Anyone new to the place would have been overwhelmed. So were we and hence started looking out for some good bargains. Obviously, it’s hard to hold yourself back when there are Nike shoes on offer just for Rs40 and Rado watches for Rs 120. Your ability to negotiate with the vyapaari decides how much and how fast you can buy. It is advisable, though, to start bargaining only once you have decided on what to buy. It is always helpful to carefully inspect the good before buying as no product from theChor bazaar comes with any kind of guarantee. We were lucky to get our hands on some unseen goodies. The first purchase was an antique compass in a classic wooden case covered with plush velvet on the inside. The next was again something from yesteryears. A table top three dimensional timepiece which came with additions such a metal piece which looked like a sword only with it’s tang, along with a few other baubles, all in silver. By the time we moved on to our next and as it turned out the last buys, the sun had risen and things became quite visible. Lastly, we got two wrist watches, both from acclaimed brands. All this within Rs 300.

If you happen to visit Mumbai do take some time out on Friday early morning to experience the madness at Mumbai’s Chor Bazaar. Be sure to carry a torch and an empty bag to amass all that you buy.