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-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Memoirs from Mumbai ********* By Veena Gomes-Patwardhan [EMAIL PROTECTED] -------------------------------------------------------------------------- GOA's FRIENDLY BAZAARS -- OF FRIDAYS, FLEA-MARKETS AND FOREIGNERS It used to be the mother of all street bazaars, putting all the other fairs that sprang up on village feast days in the shade. From sausages to souvenirs, it had it all. Every Friday, a sea of humanity would swoop down on this market like bees drawn to a pot of honey. Shoppers would swarm around the stalls, checking out the stuff on sale, in search of the perfect bargain. Roadside stalls jostled for space with street vendors, some even selling their wares under the shade of hand-held umbrellas. Many may not be aware that this quaint Goa bazaar has been around for hundreds of years. Know which shoppers' stop I'm raving about? It's the grand old Mapusa Bazaar. In the old days, it was the only big, weekly, happening event in Goa. In fact, if it was Friday, it had to be the Mapusa Bazaar for bargain hunters and shopaholics. On a recent visit, I found that the hustle and bustle at this popular market has not waned one bit. The mind-boggling variety of commodities, the hordes of shoppers, fantastic bargains at every corner and the overdose of colour were all still there. The only difference being -- in the past, the bazaar used to be quintessentially Goan, with its terracotta pots, spices, luscious, locally grown fruits, fresh vegetables, heaps and heaps of chourisam (local sausages) and Goan breads, besides traditional Goan crafts and furniture. While all these items are still found aplenty in the Mapusa Friday Market, now there are lots of gift and souvenir shops as well to cater to the burgeoning tourist population in the state. But, in more recent times, shoppers in Goa have developed an itch for a new type of street bazaar -- the flea markets. So now, if it's Wednesday, it must be Anjuna and if it's Saturday, then it's got to be Arpora, and who knows what else in the future. Like flea markets all over the world, looks like our home grown variety too is proving to be a big hit. Our flea markets are a favourite watering hole for foreigners of all colours in varying modes of dress or undress, as well as for domestic tourists and locals. It all began with back-packing hippies 'discovering' Anjuna beach in the late 60s and early 70s. A few foreigners began selling their second-hand stuff in the area around the beach and this set the stage for the emergence of the flea market which, according to some, is the biggest in India. The goods on sale in this Wednesday street extravaganza include an eclectic mix of foreign, Goan and also non-Goan items like Kashmiri and Rajasthani handicrafts. If haggling for 'pre-owned' goods or some really good stuff by way of collectibles, souvenirs and antiques excites you, then the Anjuna flea market is nirvana. If you're lucky, you could even go home with a rare souvenir without shelling out big bucks for it. And while you're rummaging for interesting curios or trinkets for your friends in Mumbai or abroad, there are restaurants and bars where you could chill out or just kill time. Then of course, you could get your ears, nose, or even your navel pierced in between checking out a leather purse or a Kashmiri rug. However, there are a few alarming aspects that can't be swept under the carpet. Like tales of lurking drug peddlers mingling with the crowds and rave parties corrupting the teen crowd. But I guess the authorities concerned are vigilant about such dangers. One other thing worth considering is -- how many of the people doing business here are Goans? Something tells me there won't be more than a handful. It's sad how we're so un-enterprising as a community. Unlike the Anjuna flea market, which is a daytime event, the Saturday Bazaar at Arpora opens at sunset and goes on till the wee hours of the morning. The allure of good deals combined with the excitement of a night time shopping experience is making Arpora a hot spot for shoppers. Frankly, I haven't been to this bazaar yet. The problem is, it's too far out of the way for us Sashtikars. But, I must confess, I'm really curious about this fascinating place. For, we have nothing like it here in Mumbai. Nothing comes even close. That's why I'm truly amused when relatives from Goa co-ordinate their trip here to take in some shopping. And more often than not, the place they're eager to rush to -- of all places -- is Bhendi Bazaar! --------------------------------------------------------------------------- GOANET-READER WELCOMES contributions from its readers, by way of essays, reviews, features and think-pieces. 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