| BRISK
SHOPPING AT LAD BAZAAR |
 Where
can we see the real buzz of business in Hyderabad?
At huge shopping complexes or at tiny street-side shops?
The answer may be difficult but not impossible if you
observe the bazaars of Old City. Comparatively,
a good number Hyderabadis prefer shopping at the street-side
rather than showrooms.
Why street-side shopping even in 'hitec' days? Hyderabad
is always a city synonymous with the Nawabi culture.
The nawabs were responsible for lending a distinct image
to the city, which is unique. Often called the gateway
of South, Hyderabad blends the north and south Indian
identities. Along the times, it has developed its own
distinct style. Even today, it offers history, culture,
entertainment, crafts and above all the chudian of
Lad Bazaar. A trip to Hyderabad is incomplete if
one misses to visit the Lad Bazaar. Especially for the
women. After a soft drive through the wide and free roads
of the new city, one would feel claustrophobic while navigating
through the congested roads of the old city. Still all
roads lead to Lad Bazaar, where the real business buzz
can be seen. Lad Bazaar holds its own speciality as the
best place for bangles.
Located near Charminar, Lad Bazaar is the oldest
street of Hyderabad. Its charm lies in the tiny little
shops. Many of these are the examples of older generation's
passion. Some say Lad bazaar was founded by Ladli Begum,
the wife of sixth Nizam of Hyderabad. Yet another
version is that it was first called Lord's Bazaar or
the bazaar meant for 'nobility'. Lad bazaar is a later
day evolution of the same name. It had other names like
Bridal bazaar, Jadwa bazaar, Meena bazaar, Chudi
bazaar and Joda bazaar.
It would be your choice to choose the wide range of products
with the best bargains. The antique jewellery in kundan
and enamel, beautiful old bidri tapestries, silver, crystal
and pearls are unique. The cost of bangles and jodai
like Mughal-e-Azam, Banjara and Ek hi Rasta
varies from Rs. 50 to Rs. 500.
Another feature of Lad bazaar is that one can get all
types of  herbal
cosmetics like Mehandi, Chiksa, Agar-bar-makhi (used
by brides after bath), Ammi Haldi, Hussani masala
and Hussani Mehandi. These cosmetics were used
by the queens of Asafia dynasty. Bindi stickers,
costly nail paints, bangles, under garments, bridal silk
sarees, kids ware, Gold covering, leather luggage, vanity
bags, plastic material, kitchen ware, house furnishing
material and what not every thing is available in Lad
bazaar which best suits an ordinary life. The pagdi
shops, with exotic headgear for marriages in silks,
cotton, organza and tissue in Pakistani, Peshwari,
Rajasthani or Turkish style in every shape
and size are available here for sale or hire. They make
all types of marriage outfits ranging from Rs. 300 to
Rs. 50,000. Sometimes it goes up to one lakh depending
on the requirement of the customer. Most of the business
comes through the tourists, specially from Gulf and
Pakistan.
Visiting this place and shopping here is an unforgettable
experience. A place which blends the past with the present,
and tradition with fashion.
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| -Krishna Chaitanya Karanam |
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4:17:41 PM 
