Retail Therapy at Kolkata

“Calcutta’s the only city I know where you are actively encouraged to stop strangers at random for a quick chat.”
― Tahir Shah

My shopping was more focused on collecting special goodies from Kolkata. Thanks to the wonderful owners at The Fairlawn, who guided me to the interesting places I could buy souvenirs from. I only visited the flea markets to get cheap and authentic products made by the Bengali craftsmen. Kudos to all the salespersons on streets. They sat at the same location till night and tolerated the heat all day. I visited and bought loads of stuff. At the end, which I had to get couriered!

Books.

Books from College Street. Bargaining is real fun!

 

Sweets.

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Accessories.

Chamba Lamba store. Destination for customised jewellery.

 

Terracotta.

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Tea items.

Tea items of Kolkata. Recipe to the famous chai

 

Sarees.

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Indian footwear.

Jute shoes

 

Bangles.

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Apply Mehndi.

This is your chance to get Mehndi and henna designs

 

Jute crafts.

Jute craft

Jute chairs

Jute coasters

Jute dolls

Bags.

Cheap leather bags

 

 

Beautiful garlands at Howrah phool bazaar.

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The prime places I visited to get the above things were Hatibagan Market, New Market, B.K. Market, Dakshinapan Market and Central cottage industries Emporium.

Sienna at New Market was one of the best shops for souvenirs. It had small idols and beautiful artifacts.

I would say Kolkata, is a city of soul. It truly was the best escape.