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Amit Khanna Staff answered 5 months ago
Here are some popular shopping areas and markets in Assam, along with relevant details for first-time visitors:
1. Guwahati – Fancy Bazaar
Description: One of the most bustling markets in Guwahati, Fancy Bazaar is known for its wide range of products including clothing, accessories, and traditional Assamese items.
What to Buy: Traditional Assamese silk (Muga and Eri), local handicrafts, electronics, and everyday items.
Location: Fancy Bazaar, Guwahati, Assam.
2. Guwahati – Paltan Bazaar
Description: Another major shopping hub in Guwahati, Paltan Bazaar offers a variety of goods from clothes to electronic gadgets.
What to Buy: Traditional Assamese textiles, jewelry, and souvenirs.
Location: Paltan Bazaar, Guwahati, Assam.
3. Tezpur – Sadar Bazaar
Description: A prominent market in Tezpur, Sadar Bazaar is a vibrant place to shop for local goods and produce.
What to Buy: Handicrafts, traditional Assamese attire, and local produce.
Location: Tezpur, Assam.
4. Jorhat – Chenikuthi Market
Description: Known for its lively atmosphere, Chenikuthi Market in Jorhat is a great place to explore traditional Assamese items and local products.
What to Buy: Assam silk, bamboo crafts, and ethnic wear.
Location: Chenikuthi, Jorhat, Assam.
5. Silchar – Rangirkhari Market
Description: Rangirkhari Market is a popular shopping destination in Silchar where you can find a mix of local goods and everyday items.
What to Buy: Traditional textiles, local handicrafts, and fresh produce.
Location: Rangirkhari, Silchar, Assam.
6. Dibrugarh – Chowkidinghee Market
Description: A busy market in Dibrugarh offering a variety of products from clothing to fresh produce.
What to Buy: Traditional Assamese fabrics, local handicrafts, and local food items.
Location: Chowkidinghee, Dibrugarh, Assam.
7. Kokrajhar – Bodo Market
Description: Bodo Market in Kokrajhar is a vibrant place reflecting the cultural diversity of the region.
What to Buy: Traditional Bodo crafts, clothing, and local items.
Location: Kokrajhar, Assam.
8. Bongaigaon – Dhaligaon Market
Description: This market is known for its range of products, including local handicrafts and everyday items.
What to Buy: Traditional Assamese textiles, local handicrafts, and food items.
Location: Dhaligaon, Bongaigaon, Assam.
9. Karimganj – Hospital Road Market
Description: A popular local market in Karimganj offering a variety of goods and local produce.
What to Buy: Assam silk, bamboo crafts, and other traditional items.
Location: Hospital Road, Karimganj, Assam.
10. Nagaon – Nagaon Market
Description: A bustling market in Nagaon known for its diverse range of goods.
What to Buy: Traditional Assamese clothes, handicrafts, and local produce.
Location: Nagaon, Assam.
Tips for First-Time Visitors:
Bargaining: Bargaining is common in local markets, so don’t hesitate to negotiate prices.
Local Currency: Carry some local cash, as not all places may accept cards.
Language: Assamese and Hindi are commonly spoken, so knowing a few phrases can be helpful.
Local Handicrafts: Look out for traditional Assamese items like Muga silk, Eri silk, and bamboo crafts, which make great souvenirs.
Hygiene: In crowded markets, be mindful of hygiene and keep an eye on your belongings.
Enjoy your shopping adventure in Assam!
Anvi Staff answered 3 months ago
Shopping in Assam offers a vibrant and culturally rich experience, reflecting the state’s traditional craftsmanship, textiles, and local produce. Whether you’re in bustling city markets or visiting rural artisan hubs, Assam provides a variety of unique items that make for memorable souvenirs. Here’s a guide to what and where to shop in Assam:
1. Traditional Handloom Products
Muga Silk: Assam is world-renowned for its luxurious Muga silk, a golden-colored silk that is exclusive to the region. It is known for its durability and natural sheen.
Pat Silk (Mulberry Silk): Another high-quality silk from Assam, Pat silk is soft and lustrous, often used in traditional attire like Mekhela Chador and sarees.
Eri Silk: Also known as “Ahimsa silk,” Eri silk is popular for its soft, warm texture and eco-friendly production methods.
Mekhela Chador: This traditional Assamese outfit, worn by women, is made from handloom silk or cotton and is intricately woven with local patterns.
Where to Buy:
Silkalay (Guwahati): Known for a wide range of traditional Assamese silk sarees and Mekhela Chadors.
Fancy Bazaar (Guwahati): A popular market for handloom products, including silk fabrics, clothing, and accessories.
Sualkuchi: Known as the “Silk Village of Assam,” this is a must-visit for silk enthusiasts. Located near Guwahati, Sualkuchi offers direct purchase from weavers.
2. Handicrafts
Bell Metal Craft: Assam is famous for its bell metal handicrafts, especially from the town of Sarthebari. Items like plates, utensils, and traditional Assamese xorai (a ceremonial offering tray) are crafted from bell metal.
Cane and Bamboo Products: Assam has a rich tradition of crafting everyday and decorative items from cane and bamboo, including baskets, furniture, mats, and home décor.
Terracotta: Majuli, one of the world’s largest river islands, is known for its terracotta pottery, which is simple yet exquisite in design.
Brassware: Assamese brass items, including religious artifacts, bowls, and utensils, are beautifully handcrafted and often used for traditional purposes.
Where to Buy:
Pragjyotika (Guwahati): An emporium showcasing local handicrafts, including bell metal, bamboo, and pottery.
Jorhat Market: Known for handcrafted cane and bamboo products.
3. Tea
Assam is synonymous with tea, being the largest producer of tea in India. You can purchase a variety of tea, from premium black tea to organic green tea, directly from the estates or in markets.
Assam Orthodox Tea: A specialty handpicked tea known for its robust flavor and malty taste.
CTC Tea: Known for its strong flavor, this is the most commonly consumed tea in India.
Where to Buy:
Guwahati Tea Auction Centre: For buying fresh and premium quality Assam tea directly from auctions.
Chaygaon Tea Estate: For a more authentic experience of purchasing tea directly from a plantation.
Tea Emporiums in Guwahati and Dibrugarh: Various tea shops around the city offer quality tea in gift-worthy packaging.
4. Jewelry
Traditional Assamese Jewelry: Known for its simplicity and elegance, Assamese jewelry is made from gold, silver, and beads. Popular pieces include Jonbiri (crescent-shaped necklace), Lokaparo (earrings featuring bird motifs), and Gam Kharu (a wide bracelet).
Where to Buy:
Chandmari Market (Guwahati): Offers a variety of traditional Assamese jewelry.
Fancy Bazaar: Another great place for both high-end and affordable jewelry shopping.
5. Local Spices and Food Items
Bhoot Jolokia (Ghost Pepper): One of the hottest chilies in the world, it is a must-buy for spice enthusiasts.
Rice Varieties: Assam is known for various indigenous rice varieties, including aromatic ones like Joha Rice.
Assamese Pickles: Locally made pickles from bamboo shoots, fish, and different types of chili are popular for their unique flavors.
Where to Buy:
Local Markets (Guwahati, Jorhat, Tezpur): Local food products like rice, spices, and pickles can be found in most markets.
6. Tribal Art and Craft
Traditional Tribal Weaves: The indigenous tribes of Assam produce beautiful handwoven fabrics, often with geometric designs and vibrant colors. These are used to make shawls, wraps, and traditional garments.
Masks: Majuli is famous for its traditional mask-making craft, primarily used in the Raas Leela festival. These masks are made from bamboo and clay and are intricate pieces of art.
Where to Buy:
Majuli Island: Visit the island to see artisans at work and buy directly from them.
Emporiums in Guwahati: Carry a variety of tribal crafts.
7. Local Souvenirs
Xorai: This ceremonial bell metal object is an iconic symbol of Assamese culture and makes for a unique souvenir.
Jaapi: The traditional Assamese conical hat made from bamboo and palm leaves is both decorative and symbolic of Assam’s rural life.
Shopping Destinations in Assam:
Fancy Bazaar (Guwahati): One of the most popular shopping areas, it offers everything from textiles to handicrafts, jewelry, and souvenirs.
Pan Bazaar (Guwahati): Known for books, traditional items, and quality tea.
Paltan Bazaar (Guwahati): A busy market area where you can find Assamese jewelry, textiles, and more.
Nehru Park Flea Market (Guwahati): Offers an array of handicrafts, clothes, and souvenirs.
Tips for Shopping in Assam:
Bargaining: While fixed-price shops like emporiums are common, you can often bargain in local markets for handicrafts and souvenirs.
Cultural Sensitivity: Respect the local customs when shopping in traditional markets, especially in tribal areas.
Supporting Local Artisans: Buying directly from artisans, especially in rural areas, ensures you get authentic products while supporting local craftspeople.