|
Jummah Bazaars
When in Karachi
don't miss these
markets which cover
a large area with
rows of innumerable
stalls selling
everything from
freshly slaughtered
chicken, to a vast
array of vegetables
and fruit
attractively stacked
and displayed,
clothes and
garments, laces and
bed linen, as also
beautifully
embroidered table
linen, fabrics of
all descriptions,
groceries and
spices, pottery and
other handicrafts,
souvenirs and gift
items, and even
antique silver—all
at a much lower
price than found
elsewhere. You will
also find stalls
selling new books
and old issues of
magazines at
unbelievably low
prices.
Jummah Bazaars are
found in many parts
of Karachi.
Originally they had
made their beginning
on Fridays which
used to be the
weekly holiday and
had taken the name
from Friday (Juma).
They became so
popular, offering
such a variety of
goods and reasonable
rates that now there
are Atwar (Sunday)
Bazaars and Mangal
(Tuesday) Bazaars as
well. In some areas
you will find these
bazaars being held
on every day of the
week. Initially,
only fresh fruit,
vegetables, and
groceries were sold.
Gradually the scope
has been expanded to
include every
conceivable item.
These bazaars
provide an
interesting and
colorful experience
of Pakistani life.
Organized under a
shamiana (cloth
canopy) there are
hundreds of gaily
decorated stalls.
Although prices are
lower compared to
regular shops, you
can still haggle to
get a good bargain.
These bazaars are
held all over the
city, but the more
accessible ones from
the centre of the
city are: Mangal
Bazaar on Kashmir
Road near PIA Sports
Complex, and on
Khyaban-e-Shujaat in
Defense VI, the
latter being popular
with expatriates;
the Jummah Bazaars
are held in Defense
near Korangi Road
and
Khyaban-e-Ittehad;
an Atwar Bazaar is
also held on
Khyaban-e-Ittehad.
These markets
usually start their
business as early as
8:00 am (some times
even earlier) and
continue well after
sunset. For fresh
produce it is best
to do your shopping
in the morning.
USEFUL TIP:
Bargain! Shopkeepers
expect you to!
(except in up market
shops).
CAUTION:
During the rainy
season the streets
of bazaars in the
old city and the
ground of Jummah
Bazaars may be
flooded.
Old City Bazaars
Saddar Shopping
Tariq Road Shopping
Clifton & Zamzama Shops
Jummah Bazaars
|
