The concept of a Meena Bazaar was first introduced to India in the mid-16th Century by Humayun, the Mughal Emperor. Essentially, it was a marketplace that catered to the needs of women, offering accessories, clothes, and jewellery. Of late, they have morphed into seasonal pop-up markets. These markets provide a platform for women entrepreneurs to showcase their wares. They also allow NGOs to generate some income for the charities they support.

I normally avoid such markets mainly because I only shop when I need to shop for something. Besides, most times, these events are a cross between a school fete and a jumble sale ( it’s a jumble of stuff being sold ).

However, yesterday was an exception when I spent a delightful afternoon at RUCHIKA, at the Dome at the NSCI. Yesterday was the first time ever in my life that I went to the NSCI. It’s a club that is literally 3 km away from my house!

Cars formed a line waiting to drop off ladies dressed in their morning diamonds. Other cars were in line to exit the venue. I wasn’t planning on leaving home and was dressed in my sloppiest loungewear. When S called, I just slipped on my Neemans ( casual slip-on flats made from recycled plastic bottles), splashed some Westside fragrance and stepped out. It was no wonder that the fancy young hostess with bronze eyelids complimented me on my look. She must have mistaken me for a rather well-dressed lady’s maid or companion!

shop till you drop

There was more than just money dropping that afternoon. For starters, my jaw dropped seeing the absolutely HUGE Dome . It gained fame as one of the free quarantine facilities put up by our municipal corporation during COVID. Luckily, I didn’t have to use it. Nor visit anyone in it but I have since associated the DOME at the NSCI with Covid Quarantine.

the stalls

Opposite the eye-catching name display was a kiosk selling exotic flowers., dried flowers and scented candles. 1 Magnolia Lane, which describes itself as a floral atelier has outlets in Gurgaon, Delhi and a manager whom you could call for deliveries in Mumbai.

The first stall that was a stunner had the most exquisite silverware from SR Artefacts. But with silver touching ridiculously unaffordable levels, I preferred to admire the workmanship and designs. They were really worth buying for the discerning buyer

The space was divided into two concentric rings – the outermost where the NGOs were displaying their wares. The inner ring in the dome itslef had a ring of little stalls while the inner core had the rest of the stalls.

Food stalls were at one side of the hall. Apart from the standard South Indian fare, there was a stall from Flurys and a few other caterers who experimented with pan Asian and fusion food.

There were many stalls selling faux jewellery, handcrafted decorative items one even sold umbrellas. Many home chefs displayed their dips, chocolates and other goodies that they allowed you to sample.

But the majority of the stalls concentrated on clothes – targeting customers looking for the forth coming festive season.

Since I have nowhere to go and too many clothes in my closet, I just glanced through a few just to get an idea of what is in fashion these days. Much to my surprise, that ghastly CoOrd sets, which to my mind are trumped up pyjamas, have become more garish with lace trimmings, cutwork embroidery and blingy embellishments.

Ruchika is just one of the many bazaars that are pouring on our city this monsoon. Various trade organisations have sales and many private clubs too host such events so if you didn’t make it to RUCHIKA this year, do not despair.

So thanks, S, for taking me to this sale/exhibition. It was a delightful way to spend an afternoon.

I’m off now to watch a play (another activity I seldom do).

Have a happy weekend all,

Ciao,

• Framed & Hanged ( framednhanged@gmail.com). For handmade torans and welcome garlands
• K Story Brush Studiio for hand painted crockery, wall platters and clothing ( 9930938780 )
• FAAYA(www.faayagifting.com)
• Island Soiree for sushi, dips $ more (9320046000)
• GONUTS (91 2245168162/41277044)

Listed above are some of the stores I found interesting.