It was midday. It didn’t look much a market – more like thousands of vibrant people congested into one large street. I stepped into the great clutter of dust that struck me from miles away. The sun shone fiercely and a slight breeze blew across my face. I held my aqua-blue handbag in my right hand and a number of dented rupees in my left. Very much like China, Chennai had numerous roads overflowing with people.
People, like objects, appeared in all shapes and sizes. Heaps of children swarmed the candy shops. Countless adults, some gawky, some dapper, circle the fruit stands just behind the major retail shops. A couple of poorly frail men wander the streets, helplessly begging for money. Businessmen stand pompously wearing their shiny grey suit, beside their beautiful wife’s, wearing their multicolored saris and glimmering sandals. Brawny policemen in their silky-brown uniform pass the streets surrounding the cows sacred to the Indian culture. Old women pace the teeming streets of Koyambedu – discussing recent rumors. Enthusiastic tourists wander about with their goofy hats and large cameras.
I was in the moment. With the heat of course, you become slightly exhausted but you still have the will to go on. I’ve been walking for a while now – just towards the centre. The market spreads over about 300 acres of land. You can’t help but stop in every corner – just to admire each stall for it’s beautiful layout.
At first, the heavy dust rose from the pavement and gradually filled the air suffocating just about all of us. It was enthralling to witness the groups of people coming into the market – many of which are on their lunch break. They hurried in, in pairs and groups as if the spaces were limited. I realize the longer you stay in the market, the more comforting the atmosphere begins to seem.
There were cars here and there. Some big, some small – Lorries carrying bags of spices rode heavily up and down the teeming streets. The noise it made was excruciating – although no one seemed to care or better yet, take notice. Some mischievous teenager would try and break into one of the better-looking silver automobiles – that’s when you’d hear the alarm go off and see random middle-aged men dashing to their vehicles.
Suddenly, I hear it – the most beautiful sound: Bollywood music. One of my favorites, “Kaliyon Ka Chaman” blasting from a ghetto blaster situated on the floor near the telephone booths. Its rightful owner, a teenage boy wearing torn jeans and a dark-blue shirt stands besides it selling Bollywood CD’s. Young men and women just released from work continue chattering. A flimsy man helplessly wheels his barrow, filled with fresh mangos, up and down the street. His children follow yelling the price in Hindi. Some stalls sell souvenirs of Indian Gods and posters of all the different Gods e.g. Sarasvati, Vishnu, Lakshmi etc they all represent something special and meaningful to the Indian people.
There are hundreds of retail shops here – scattered of course, but still loads of them. On the floor, you’d notice old women selling vegetables, spices and many other crucial Indian foods. The spices come in different colors and quantities; impeccable one might say. Behind its good looks, each spice has its own history. With its maze-like structure, the market remains vast and occupied. Trucks hurry past all of us, polluting the air with not a care in the world. I’m guessing the drivers are on a tight schedule.
Walking outdoors may seem hectic, but the inside is exquisite. The smell of freshly baked naan is simply remarkable. The spices have a delightful smell, powerful as well. When you come from outside, you’ll feel as if you are entering a completely new world.
As the evening approaches, I make my way back to my hotel room, with so much more to see, hear and taste. Nonetheless, this has been the most epic and most memorable journey of all-time. All I can say is:
If you are looking for an exotic place to explore new mysteries about food, religion, fashion, life and music, then Koyambedu is the place for you!
I was in the moment. With the heat of course, you become slightly exhausted but you still have the will to go on. I’ve been walking for a while now – just towards the centre. The market spreads over about 300 acres of land. You can’t help but stop in every corner – just to admire each stall for it’s beautiful layout.
At first, the heavy dust rose from the pavement and gradually filled the air suffocating just about all of us. It was enthralling to witness the groups of people coming into the market – many of which are on their lunch break. They hurried in, in pairs and groups as if the spaces were limited. I realize the longer you stay in the market, the more comforting the atmosphere begins to seem.
There were cars here and there. Some big, some small – Lorries carrying bags of spices rode heavily up and down the teeming streets. The noise it made was excruciating – although no one seemed to care or better yet, take notice. Some mischievous teenager would try and break into one of the better-looking silver automobiles – that’s when you’d hear the alarm go off and see random middle-aged men dashing to their vehicles.
Suddenly, I hear it – the most beautiful sound: Bollywood music. One of my favorites, “Kaliyon Ka Chaman” blasting from a ghetto blaster situated on the floor near the telephone booths. Its rightful owner, a teenage boy wearing torn jeans and a dark-blue shirt stands besides it selling Bollywood CD’s. Young men and women just released from work continue chattering. A flimsy man helplessly wheels his barrow, filled with fresh mangos, up and down the street. His children follow yelling the price in Hindi. Some stalls sell souvenirs of Indian Gods and posters of all the different Gods e.g. Sarasvati, Vishnu, Lakshmi etc they all represent something special and meaningful to the Indian people.
There are hundreds of retail shops here – scattered of course, but still loads of them. On the floor, you’d notice old women selling vegetables, spices and many other crucial Indian foods. The spices come in different colors and quantities; impeccable one might say. Behind its good looks, each spice has its own history. With its maze-like structure, the market remains vast and occupied. Trucks hurry past all of us, polluting the air with not a care in the world. I’m guessing the drivers are on a tight schedule.
Walking outdoors may seem hectic, but the inside is exquisite. The smell of freshly baked naan is simply remarkable. The spices have a delightful smell, powerful as well. When you come from outside, you’ll feel as if you are entering a completely new world.
As the evening approaches, I make my way back to my hotel room, with so much more to see, hear and taste. Nonetheless, this has been the most epic and most memorable journey of all-time. All I can say is:
If you are looking for an exotic place to explore new mysteries about food, religion, fashion, life and music, then Koyambedu is the place for you!