Every city has a flea market – a cheap market of used things now available for reuse at the cheapest price possible. Like every flea market, our flea market also opens on Sundays with people milling in and out of the one-kilometer length of road lined up by carts selling used jackets, shoes, shirts, tracksuits, carpets, flower vases, and embroidery. It makes up for a great experience and some people like to call it a mini-Kashmir as people from all the districts and tehsils visit the flea market. This flea market is known for its fair share of long haggling and bargaining, loud customer calls, and unbelievable footfall. Especially at the cusp of winter, the lower middle people rush to the flea market to pick up woolens of their choice – used ones of course.
The familiar scenes of seeing cart owners calling customers in loud baritones with beads of sweat on their foreheads is emblematic of our flea market during the summer. Around 4000 people earn their livelihood through this flea market and it also provides a cheap alternative for people to buy woolens during harsh winters.
The authorities must recognize this flea market and choose a location that can be utilized for this festive shopping experience. This area should be in central Srinagar equidistant to both North as well as Central Kashmir. The vendors must be recognized and allowed specific 10-foot by 10 feet stalls at this flea market. They must be treated with proper respect. Sometimes it is common to see them being rounded up for encroaching a part of the main road. If we designate a specific zone within Srinagar for this flea market the vendors selling second-hand items can live a dignified living.
This flea market has become synonymous with our Sunday walks in the city centre. We must retain its uniqueness and preserve this important cultural signifier. Let these poor vendors live their life with dignity.
