Every Sunday and Wednesday, the Vir Santaji Ghorpade Path, popularly known as the Maldhakka chowk, undergoes a transformation. One side of the road is encroached upon, making way for a flea market - Juna Bazaar. About 700 to 900 vendors lay out their small plastic sheets on the floor to display their wares. And one can find almost anything under the sun on these sheets - from pocket combs to floppy disks, locks and keys to steel trunks.Though this place basically caters to the poor, one can find antique hunters running these goods through a fine-toothed comb. Says Balkrishna Kitturkar, secretary, Juna Bazaar Vikruti Sanghatana, ``The reason we are so popular is because we fulfill all the needs of people at less costs. Here, you don't need to be rich to buy a pair of leather shoes that will cost Rs 900 to 1,000 at a store.'' You can get them for Rs 300.
The bazaar is on two levels. At the upper level, one can find agricultural goods like spades, hoes, iron chains used in pulleys, electronic items like two-in-one cassette recorders, computer keyboards, floppies and blankets, old tricycles, shoes, watches, and even dried fish. The lower level is dominated by the fabric market, though one can also buy steel trunks, soft luggage and utensils here.
If you're willing to look, the bargains at Juna Bazaar are waiting to be found. So seek, rummage and discover.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
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