Those used to the crowded lanes of most of the Delhi markets are certain to be in for a surprise after they go to the tony Meharchand Market in South Delhi. But before we get in there, a phrase about this market that turned into first named after Mehar Chand Khanna, an Indian politician who changed into a part of the Indian freedom movement and became later appointed Union Minister for Rehabilitation from 1954 to 1962. Not too a long way again, with its run-down, dilapidated-looking stores except for a few that, frequently bought track cassettes and stationery except housing tailoring gadgets, dhabas, and eateries, was broadly speaking visible as a terrible cousin of its swanky neighbor — Khan Market.
But no longer any greater. That is why while vintage-timers go to the market, this new avatar comes as a pleasing wonder. Its set of lengthy colonnaded corridors residence stores of famous designers and upscale eateries visited through ex-pats and nicely-heeled shoppers. As we sit down within the snug Elma’s Brasserie enjoying some French Press together with some sandwiches and scones, our ears perk up on hearing the road, “Even Sonia Gandhi comes right here to keep.” Well then, this ought to be some marketplace, we concede, but are glad that the politico’s visit — even supposing she does so, surreptitiously — turned into now not coinciding with ours, for who could want stern-searching protection guards around?
Walking down this marketplace, it’s glaring that if you’re a discerning, tag-aware shopper, this is the vicinity to be. The costs in some places, we should factor out, might be a little disconcerting for a few, however, appearance closely and also you’ll discover plenty greater that’s not just stylish however additionally no longer too heavy on the pocket.
Upon coming into Artesia, we located that it was an amazing choice if you’re seeking to upload an artistic and casual contact to your house. This is the area in which art and creativity appear to shape a perfect combo in the charming artifacts on provide — be it prettily painted items created out of the tin and metallic, together with a spread of animals like elephants, camels and cats, and human figures, except cushion covers, bowls, mirrors and hangings, and so on.
Another location that sure gets a thumbs up from many of its patrons is Navya that calls itself a ‘domestic add-ons boutique shop.’ An appearance inside exhibits a beautiful range of products that have been handpicked for those trying to feature a hint of ‘modern’ to their houses. And with the aid of that, we imply ‘very united states, very English-y’ object artwork. The try right here is to create a positive storyline for every season — if it changed into plants a remaining year, this yr it’s animals and birds, even lovely little reptile designs on mugs, coasters, paintings, trays, linen, and plenty more picked up from internationally.
Remember The Shop that unfolded within the Regal constructing in Connaught Place extra than three many years ago? Yes, this changed into a number of the first stores that introduced keen customers to the beauty of smart fabrics, cuts, and designs. Well, for those of you who don’t need to go all of the manners there, Meharchand has a department. This one, too, is superbly laid out and offers an excellent buying revel in for the ones looking for things unusual. And the listing right here, as continually, includes pretty a diffusion — from decorative items, ceramic crockery, cushion covers, table linen, curtains, bedding, soaps, incense sticks to garb in cute fabrics.
Going beyond some eateries, picking up a few tikkas alongside the manner, we discover some other charming outlet referred to as Play Clan — perfect for those who like creations inspired by our folk art and cultural background. Charming interiors display an exciting and playful combination of portraits and craft. And there’s quite a variety — besides trays, coasters, and framed art, there are illustrated garb, unisex kurtas, luggage, cushions, etc. — all in clever cotton and canvas fabric.
Razzle-dazzle
For folks that say they have got enough jewelry and feature bid adieu to the idea of selecting up gold — given its charges that seem to head skyrocketing all of the time — there are places like Art Karat. The branch right here opens out an attractive range of semi-valuable jewelry. Art Karat’s line of both conventional, as well as modern pieces appeals to all age corporations. You can take your select from heavy to easy neckpieces, jewelry, jewelry, maang tikkas, noserings, and many others., created in edgy and formidable in addition to sensitive lines.
Next door lies its sister-concern, the equally captivating Katan Weaves that opens up a world of silks and cotton. Besides georgette and organza, some fabrics blend both silk and cotton, best for the cool season. As the woman here says, tries were made to contemporize the Benarasi weave. The idea is that the young women who walk in here sense the material is for them.