Bargain in city’s bazaars

As you walk down Mutton Street off the bustling Mohammed Ali Road, you’ll know you’ve reached Chor Bazaar when the glint of coloured glass lanterns hits your eye.

As you walk down Mutton Street off the bustling Mohammed Ali Road, you’ll know you’ve reached Chor Bazaar when the glint of coloured glass lanterns hits your eye.

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Follow the play of light into the depths of the narrow shops and discover a treasure trove of dusty antiques — lamps, locks, furniture, posters, and much more — and some crafty imitations.

For those bored of the monotony of malls, the city’s myriad markets such as Chor Bazaar, Crawford market, Bhuleshwar market and Dadar’s flower market, are a delightful surprise package. “I feel like ‘Alice in Wonderland’ every time I visit Chor Bazaar or Crawford market,” gushed Neela Shinde, a member of the managing committee of Paramaparik Karigar.

During her last visit to Chor Bazaar, Shinde picked up beautiful door handles made of glass and brass (Rs 120 each) and vinyl records, for a “steal” at Rs 20 each. “I loved browsing through the colonial antique furniture, old oil lamps converted to electric ones and two-faced railway clocks.”

So, take along your children to hunt for that perfect chest of drawers to stack their clothes or to hunt for a hobby. Teach them the art of bargaining and encourage creativity by letting them pick the polish or colour that will transform the dusty furniture to a prized possession.

After this head north to Dadar’s flower market for a sensory overload. Watch as the women expertly transform baskets of bright yellow marigolds into strings of gold that will line someone’s marriage hall. Head to Matunga market that offers south Indian masalas, vegetables and Kanchi silk.

For those looking for a bargain on leather bags, wallets and jackets, head to the Dharavi market. “Hone your bargaining skills before you get there,” said Parinitha Krishnamurthy.

On SV Road in Oshiwara, a long line of shops reveal themselves as an Aladdin’s Cave of Wonders. From an exquisite colonial three-seater bench to a Chinese carved chest bristling with dragons and secret compartments, to any number of trinkets salvaged from the antique furniture housed here, the Oshiwara furniture market makes for an exciting diversion for anyone.