Bara Bazaar In Shillong Is Run Mostly By Women Vendors

Shillong, the Scotland of the East, is known all over the world for its breathtaking scenic beauty. Thanks to its rolling mountains, lush green flora, lively streams, magnificent caves, terraced plantations and more, this north-eastern hill station in Meghalaya, India has been on the bucket list of every nature lover. But did you know that apart from the wide array of natural wonders, Shillong is also home to north-east India’s largest traditional market, the Lewduh Bara Bazaar? The unique feature about this market is that it is essentially run by the local women.

The Largest Traditional Market In North-East India, The Bara Bazaar Is Essentially Run By Local Women

Meghalaya, unlike other Indian states, follows a matrilineal system. Being a maternal state, Meghalaya has always given more power to women. The Lewduh market is just another example. Women in this market sell exotic fruits and vegetables, local spices, nuts, apparels and more. There’s a section in the market solely dedicated to second-hand clothes. If you love street shopping, the lanes and bylanes of this market will aptly satisfy the shopaholic in you.

Also Read: How To Reach Shillong By Road, Air & Railway 

Some Must-Buys At The Bara Bazaar

Once you’re at the Bara Bazaar market, you must hoard some of the iconic things available here. The first and foremost of them are the Khasi knives and one-of-its-kind Khasi floor scrubber brushes. You can either use them or simply keep them back with you as a memory of the market. Another interesting thing to snag from here is the feathered Khasi arrow, symbolic of the archery practised by the Khasi people.

You’ll also get decorative handcrafted bamboo bowls of varied designs in the lanes of Lewduh. That’s not all. You should bring home some of the special locally-cultivated spices of Shillong as they are known to render a great flavour to your food. You can pick up from turmeric, chilli powder, pepper powder, meat masala and more. Apart from these, the thin handwoven shawls with tribal motifs on them will definitely catch your eye. Meanwhile, here’s why you should choose Srinagar’s floating market over Bangkok’s.

The Bara Bazaar Market Is A Foodie’s Paradise

If you happen to be a foodie, then the Bara Bazaar market has to be one of your go-to places in Shillong. The traditional market has many eat-outs and restaurants that serve delectable local dishes like pork sausages, pork salads and flavoured rice. Hit up the place in the morning for trying out some signature Khasi breakfast delicacies like pusaw ( traditional rice cake or Khasi cake), pu khlein ( a Khasi snack made with powdered rice and jaggery), pu maloi ( a kind of pitha) and big momos.

Also, you can have the traditional chai here with a spoonful of fried chiwda in it. While many of these breakfast dishes are available on the streets, there’s a famous shop in the market known as the Nat Khasi Restaurant where you can grab a plate of a wholesome Meghalayan meal. They specialize in chicken dishes, the most popular among them being Plate Jadoh or chicken rice. Also, did you know that the highest Irish pub in the world is located at Namche Bazaar, Nepal?

Jadoh at the local favorite Nat Khasi Restaurant in Barra Bazaar, #Shillong @shonalim Didja try this? pic.twitter.com/2rk4m6lvgy

— Amit (@iamitp) April 11, 2016

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Best Time To Visit Lewduh Bara Bazaar

During the month of April, many rituals take place at the Lewduh market and special monoliths are installed at this time in a particular zone of the market called the Khlieh Iew. While April is the best time to explore Bara Bazaar, you should avoid visiting the market on rainy days.

Also Read: Krem Puri In India Has The Longest Sandstone Caves In The World

So, the next time you visit Shillong once the pandemic is over, don’t forget to pay a visit to this amazing marketplace to collect some souvenirs. Till then, sit back at home and enjoy some online tours. For now, allow us to take you on a virtual journey to Meghalaya