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Laad Bazaar
Hyderabad: A Timeless Market of Bangles and Heritage
Laad Bazaar is one of the busiest and most boisterous markets in all of India, famous for their shining bangles and other traditional ornaments, besides offering rich heritage in its wake. Situated near the famous Charminar, this ancient bazaar is a shopping complex for centuries which draws in people, both locals and tourists, who seek to view the splashes of colors, the rich traditions it reflects, and the lively feel it provides. Laad Bazaar does not come under the category of a mere shopping spree; it is a nostalgic voyage through time where the past and the present merge together in the form of a peep into the soul of Hyderabad.
Historical Background of Laad Bazaar
Laad Bazaar, also known as Choodi Bazaar, dates back to Qutb Shahi and Mughal periods of Hyderabad’s heyday as a trading, artistic, and cultural hub. “Laad” means lacquer, which is the material used in preparing the popular bangles that this bazaar is so famous for. Today, it is believed that the market was established above 400 years ago when Qutb Shahi was in power, which flourished under the Asaf Jahi Nizams.
Laad Bazaar is now an instant market off the traveling itinerary of Hyderabad royal families, who visit to buy intricate jewelry, including the famous lac bangles of the city. Even today, it retains old charm in the market, its narrows lanes, age-old buildings, and vendors who have passed the art of bangle making on generations.
The Bangles of Laad Bazaar: A World of Colour and Craftsmanship
Lac bangles are among the most striking attractions of Laad Bazaar. Lac bangles are made of lacquer, a resinous compound. They are available in bright colors and very flashy. Some of them carry minute mirrors and/or beads and other small stones and intricate designs. The artisans who make bangles pass down techniques and designs to their family members.
In itself, the process of making lac bangles is very minute and artistic. It involves lac being heated and molded into a very thin strip, then given the shape of a bangle over a metal frame. Bangles are then decorated with stones, beads, or mirrors and polished to shine. Ranging from bright red, green, and blue to soothing gold and silver, these bangles ensure that each woman can be the perfect accessory for her wedding day, festivals, or any special occasion.
In addition to lac bangles, Laad Bazaar is also famous for a wide range of variety in glass bangles, metal bangles, and semi-precious stones studded bangles. The market is a favorite amongst brides-to-be who throng this market to pick bangles according to their marriage dresses. The great variety of bangles ensured by the individual attention of artisans so that everyone can find one that suits them at Laad Bazaar.
Jewelry and Accessories: Shopper’s Heaven
Apart from bangles, Laad Bazaar is so much more than a treasure trove of traditional jewelry and accessories. There are several necklaces, anklets, earrings, and rings selling in the market and many of these items hail from Hyderabadi and Mughal designs. Kundan jewelry, intricately crafted with precious stones, is an immensely popular item here.
Bazaars also have plenty of decorated accessories, like bindis, hair clips, and brooches. Most of these accessories are hand-made which reflects a sense of traditional magnificence and has made them popular among both locals and tourists. The jewelry sold at Laad Bazaar is a reflection in true Hyderabad with rich cultural heritage and traditional artistry blended together with the contemporary design.
Textiles and Traditional Attire
Textiles and traditional garments are also sold in Laad Bazaar. It houses not only bangles and jewelry but also a majestic collection of sarees, lehengas, and dupattas. Most are made from expensive fabrics such as silk, cotton, and the richly ornate brocade. Intensive work upon the finer details of embroidery, zardozi work, and embellishment with stones most definitely bespeak the centuries-old handiwork of the artisans who perfected their craft.
Bridal shopping has gained considerable popularity at Laad Bazaar where the brides-to-be come to find their wedding outfit, accompanied with matching accessories. Hyderabadi Khada Dupattas and Paithani sarees are known for traditional elegant beauty and intricately detailed designs, for which the markets are popularly preferred by the brides.
Mehndi walas and wedding accessories are other products that these markets specialise in.
Laad Bazaar is not only a shopping mall for any Hyderabadi but also a part of the wedding planning itself. Mehndi artists galore in the markets; one finds dexterously ornamented, intricate designs for the brides, and for the guests too. Applying mehndi for weddings and festivals has been a quintessential tradition of Indian culture, and Laad Bazaar has some of the finest mehndi artists in the town.
The market also provides for numerous kinds of wedding accessories, such as flower garlands, hair ornaments, and bridal footwear, along with the mehendi. Laad Bazaar provides everything, be it perfect shoes to add on to your outfit or delicate flower jewelry for a pre-wedding event.
Attar Hyderabadi: The Perfume of Tradition
Hyderabad is famous for its Hyderabadi Attar, famous among people as perfume. The range of scents available, like Champa, Champakhila, Moga Champa, Banwasa, and Gul-e-Ghoghara, smells exquisite, which are mostly unique to Hyderabadi scents.
No visit to Laad Bazaar is complete without the browsing of the famous attar shops. Attar means traditional perfume and has been part of the city’s culture since the past few centuries. The attars sold there are prepared from natural flowers, herbs, and spices, are alcohol-free, and are high in demand among people who avoid chemical fragrances and would prefer something that lasts forever.
The attars also come in a variety of fragrances, from floral scents of jasmine and rose to something more exotic like oudh and sandalwood. Attar making is the traditional art, passed down through generations; Laad Bazaar’s attar shops are a true testament to that age-old craft.
Culinary Delights of Laad Bazaar
No trip to Laad Bazaar is ever considered complete without the local cuisine. There are numerous food stalls and small eateries spread over the markets which offer a variety of Hyderabad’s famous street food. These must be tried:
Irani Chai: Hyderabadi staple of strong, sweet tea, which goes well with crumbly and buttery Osmania biscuits.
Samosas and Mirchi Bajji: These crispy fried snacks delight the locals. In its variants, the samosas are stuffed with spicy potato, whereas in mirchi bajji, green chilies are dipped in gram flour and then fried until golden brown.
Haleem: While being mainly a seasonal highlight in the holy month of Ramadan, some food stalls now serve the slow-cooked meat-and-lentil combination all year round.
Kebabs and Biryani: Hyderabad’s famous biryani and kebabs are available in the food stalls located in the confines surrounding Laad Bazaar and can be able to get a nice, savory fill after the tiredness of shopping.
The food stalls in and around Laad Bazaar give an authentic taste of Hyderabad’s culinary tradition and serve as the perfect stop for a break from shopping and a savory meal.
The Charm of Laad Bazaar by Night
The setting sun provides a different charm to Laad Bazaar, and strings of lights illuminate the whole market. The energy of the day has been replaced by a calm, relaxed atmosphere, with consumers leisurely browsing the shops while enjoying the cool winds of the evening. Laad Bazaar’s dynamic colors combined with the effects of light radiate magic-evening shopping at Laad Bazaar becomes a memory.
Nightfall brings that special energy, where the cacophony of the crying vendors and the haggling over prices is heard intermixed with the laughter and garrulous talk of the visitors around the market. It is the ideal time for any tourist to take a wander through the market, taking in the sights and sounds while picking up souvenirs and gifts to carry home.
Laad Bazaar and the Local Economy
Laad Bazaar is something crucial in the local economy of Hyderabad. Over hundreds of families have their livelihoods here as thousands of vendors and artisans have been toiling in the bazaar since ages. The bangles, jewelry, and textiles sold in this market are often made by hand, portraying great skill and craftsmanship of local artisans.
In recent times, the Laad Bazaar has emerged as a hub where city tourists throng from all over, contributing significantly to the tourism of the city. The propinquity of the market with Charminar, Mecca Masjid, and all the other historical landmarks make it a must-visit destination for those interested in experiencing the cultural and historical richness of Hyderabad.
That keeps a rich portion of its economic interest by preserving the crafts of a long time ago associated with Laad Bazaar. The artists from the market take centuries-old craftsmanship in bangle-making, embroidery, and jewelry and bring them to the present by keeping them alive in a rapidly modernizing world.
Tips for Visiting Laad Bazaar
For anyone planning to travel to Laad Bazaar, here are a few tips that will make the most of the visit:
Bargain Smartly: Haggling is a general norm in Laad Bazaar. So don’t hesitate to bargain over the price; however, bargain decently and respectfully towards the artisans’ work.
Time to Visit: The market gets extremely crowded especially when festivals are around the corner. If you want to visit an almost lonely market, you can plan a visit in the early morning or late evening sometime.
Cash is King: Though most of the shops allow cards, most of the vendors at Laad Bazaar demand cash, so make sure you carry enough cash along with you.
Explore Beyond Bangles: While Laad Bazaar is most popularly known for its bangles, do not forget the other jewelry, textiles, and accessories it has in store.
Be Respectful About Culture: Laad Bazaar falls under the old city, which is predominantly a Muslim area. Dress modestly and be respectful to local customs and traditions.
