While the launch of Archies brought the youth brigade to the market, there were also those who turned into the loyal clientele for Kipps. Speak of fashion and Javes opened its doors to chunky jewellery, rajasthani juttis and other traditional furniture.

Though joints like Dominos, Yo China and Bikaner have come up gradually, the market retains its special place.

Sukhvir Singh, a resident of Sarabha Nagar says, “This place appears so small, yet it can accommodate hundreds. Young boys and girls flock the market to have fun amid loud music and lip-smacking food.”

Another resident, Narinder Singh, adds: “The culture of the market has survived over the ages. This is a place where I can spend my entire evening with endless cups of coffee and friends.”

Manju, a housewife, adds: “I remember the days when my husband and I would come and sit on the railings of the market and stare at the crowd aimlessly for hours. The entire ambience was wonderful.”