Alive & throbbing

Tribune correspondent Charanjit Singh Teja and lensman Sunil Kumar browse through the alleyways of decades-old bazaars of the holy city. Some have contorted, others perished with time, but many are still…

Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh master, had laid the foundation for Chak Ramdas in 1577, which was on the Sher Shah Suri Road, connecting Delhi and Lahore. This city soon became well-known and the name was later changed to Amritsar. After its development, it emerged as a major trade centre in the region. To establish the base, Guru Ram Das had brought people from 52 trades and asked them to settle here. On his call, artisans and craftsmen settled and took to trading. And these centuries-old bazaars still continue to bloom.

Bazaar Mai Sevan

With 25 publishers abounding the market, it was once considered the world’s largest setting of Punjabi (Gurmukhi) books. But as of now, all glory has been lost in the mists of time.

Majith Mandi

It is a major market of dry fruits. Many varieties are available here. The dry fruits trade with Afghanistan is more than two centuries old.

Kahian Wala Bazaar (spade market)

The bazaar is located near Sultanwind Gate, where lohars (blacksmiths) largely engage with spades, sickles, trowel, hoe and other agricultural tools. The handmade tools are still in demand in the city and surrounding areas. Swords, shields and other martial equipment are also available in this market

Pawayan Wala Bazaar

Amritsar is well-reputed for woodwork and carving. Before the Partition, it was known as the headquarters of wood carvers’ art in the region. The Muslim and Ramgarhia Sikh carpenters were masters in framing doorways, hanging balconies and artistic wooden facade, etc. After the Partition, the Muslims from Saharanpur took over and the shops in a narrow street near Hall Bazaar still satiate the need of wooden art.

Bharbhunjyan Wala Bazaar

The locals are fond of roasted grains. Keeping their voracious appetite in mind, this was established long ago. Roasted wheat, rice, grams, nuts and several other items are available here.

Bazaar Paparan Wala

Handmade crispy papads (fried dough wafers) of Amritsar are world-famous. Several city families have been engaged in this business for generations. It is located near the Golden Temple and is one of the major tourist hotspots. Apart from papads, there is a whole world of wadian, pickles and murabbas available in the market.

Mishri Bazaar

Once a popular market in narrow streets near the Golden Temple, it has been losing its sheen. Mishri (sugar candy) makers shifted to other trades due to low income. However, a few are still engaged, dishing out ‘khandd de khidaune’ (sugar toys), pattase, phullian (sugar coated rice) and other such sweets.

Bhandyan Wala Bazaar (utensils market)

In the past, a bevy of devotees who would make a pilgrimage to the city generally bought a copper or brass utensil as a memorabilia of their visit. There are two classes dealing in this, the kaseras and thatheras. The trade still flourishes in the interiors of the city, with new products, including plastic ware.

Bazaar Kathian Wala (saddle market)

It exists behind Akal Takht on the Golden Temple complex. The historians claim that when sixth Sikh master Guru Hargobind asked Sikhs to present horses instead of other gifts to fight the Mughals, a special market was established for the ornaments of horses. A large portion of the market was demolished during the construction of galiara in 1988. But a few still sell kathian and other equipment.

Chowk Dholian

Situated at Dholi Mohala in the walled city, the drum players’ community claim that there were devotees of a Peer residing in the area at the Guru’s time. The drum players can be seen standing near the historical gates at eventide.