JOIN USFlea markets have quickly become a part of the urban ethos and Kitsch Mandi, the sixth this year, drew the young and the old alike to Temple Tree, in Sahakar Nagar.
From jewellery and clothes to self-watering planters and even food, the 70 or so stalls had something for everyone. Sai Sangeet Paliwal, who runs ‘Soda — fashion furnishings’, says she has participated in the flea market for a couple of years now. Her stall featured key-holders, post-its and other stationery evoking the Beatles, Elvis Presley “or anything retro, including cassettes”.
“As much as I love setting up my products for the event, I also enjoy shopping here,” said Sangeet, who had already picked up a necklace and a pair of earrings from another stall. “You also get feedback from other designers, which is great,” she adds.
A stall by three friends Alan, Sachin and Pavani showcased beard oil as well as jewellery. “I pick up crystals wherever I travel and use them to make necklaces,” Sachin said.
People were invited to sample different handmade cheeses at the Mysuru-based Curemonte Cheese’s stall. “In places like this, people appreciate gourmet food,” said Diwakar Ramdas, who was manning the stall.
Kalpana Peck from the US, in the city for business, picked up a pair of earrings too. “I run a business making bags using banana fibre,” she said. “And I feel the stuff here is great.”
Meethi, a fashion merchandiser for a retail firm, was there for some window
shopping. “I make it a point to go to all such events,” she said. Samana, a student, said some of the clothes caught her eye. “I love how, in India, we have taken the traditional and given it a contemporary touch,” she observed. “And this event
reflects that trend.”
On the lawns, people sat on mats or lazed around on the mattress. A few were even doodling. “We’re part of a group called Pencil Jam. We meet every Sunday to draw; this week we’re here,” said Archana, a member of the group. For the first time, a
set of stalls were dedicated to artists. Among them was Annada Menon’s, whose
work features robots and humanoids.
The evening saw live music, with a line up of bands as well as a performance by playback singer Prateek Kuhad, which was one of the highlights. DIY workshops in puppet making, craft-a-kite, pottery and screen printing kept people engaged.