Everything under a roof

A day of fun, food and laughter awaited those who attended ‘Cheaper By The Dozen’, a day-long flea market organised by The Queer Campus Bangalore. It was held at Rococo Gallery on Rest House Road recently. The event was organised as a fundraiser for the upcoming ‘Bangalore Queer Film Festival 2014’, which will be held from February 28 to March 2. 

The market was an initiative to provide a cheap platform for artisans, artists and home-based entrepreneurs to reach out to the public. Although entry was free, the suggested contribution was Rs 10.

 Tushar, a student who was part of the organising committee said, “We’ve got several stalls here today and we’ve got a large floating crowd here. It’s a slow day since people are taking their own time since it is a Sunday.” 

Varun (name changed), who pointed out that Bangalore has become a hub for flea markets said, “While most flea markets charge an entry fee, here it’s free and visitors can contribute what they wish to. Also, we have ensured that the prices are affordable, keeping in mind that most of those who come here are students.” 

Lekha R, a student from HKBK College of Engineering who was selling dreamcatchers, said, “This is a great way to make some pocket money for me as a student. There have been many who have picked up items but I’m waiting for some more.” 

Shreeparvati had a stall ‘Sweet Talk’, where she was seen selling snacks and jams. Waiting for the crowd to pick up, she said, “We have our expectations high after going to other flea markets,” she said. 

Sarojini Hombali, an architect by profession who was selling accessories said, “There are many interested in the ethnic jewellery that have been made by me. However, even though the venue is good, I don’t know whether the lack of advertising has resulted in the sparse crowd.” 

Ifra, along with her friends, who are students from Mount Carmel College, were at the flea market to document the queer community, she said, “We’re doing it as part of our college project and the responses we’ve got are interesting.” Vaishalli Chandra, a visitor at the market said, “I make it a point to come here every time it is organised. That’s my way of showing my support. Sometimes I even buy stuff that I don’t need so that I can make my contribution towards the event.”