Some stall searching

These bazaars are an old Bangalore tradition and regulars clear their calendars to spend a morning browsing through stalls with an eclectic mix of products and catching up with folks they haven’t seen for a while.

The atmosphere is fun and festive and there is something for everybody.
Like the sound of Christmas carols, the cheery red and green decorations and the intriguing stalls, where one can pick up home-made goodies, unusual gifts and stuff you least expect to find. So what’s happening and where and when?

Community Services of Bangalore (CSB)

CSB's much awaited Annual Christmas Bazaar is back  Entrance is free and there are stalls selling Christmas decorations, unique handicrafts, candles and candle stands, one-of-a-kind gift items, designer clothes, shawls, jewellery, books, colourful Chettinad baskets. Home-made pickles and jams. CSB is a non-profit organisation with a membership of local ladies and expats who raise funds to support over 19 registered charities.

-  When: December 1  
-  Time: 11 am to 7 pm
-  Where: Lalit Ashok Hotel  United Charities Bazaar

A 30-year-old tradition, the Charities Bazaar allows NGOs and individuals to set up stalls whose profits are used for charity. The sale includes everything from handicrafts and table linen, home-made pickles and jams to old books and records. “The idea came about over a cup of coffee, and now we can't believe how big a bazaar this has turned out to be,” say organisers.

-  When: December 5
-  Time: 10 am to 5 pm
-  Where: Corporation
Playgrounds and opposite St Charles School, (next to Indian Oil petrol pump),
Lingarajpuram.

Overseas Women's Club (OWC)

Started small in the ballroom of a hotel and has grown into a popular well-patronised event and a big fund raiser for the 22 charities that they support. Enthusiastically run by OWC members and their spouses, there is an interesting collection of vendors and their wares, beautiful Christmas decorations and Santa Claus.

Stalls sell crafts, chocolates, baked goods and warm festive food.There are camel rides, face painters and carol singers too.
-  When: December 5
-  Time: 11am to 4 pm.
-  Where: St Mark’s  Cathedral Grounds Whitefield Christmas Bazaar 2009

 This is a Christmas Bazaar which emphasises the sale of Indian art, craft and design based products. “Ideal for picking up gifts, jewellery,fine art, garments from over 100 specially chosen stalls.

  There is a variety of food available from chaat to gourmet delicacies, an arts’ corner for kids, live entertainment and plenty to see and do,” say organisers Asha and Devika.

-  When: December 12 &13
-  Time: 10 am to 6 pm
-  Where: Whitefield Club, Whitefield Main Road