A street affair

Weekends are always a great time to visit shopping hubs like M G Road. Everything seems more appealing and colourful when you have some time to spend. And last weekend got even better as the area hosted another flea market — ‘Rangoli Metro, M G Road Flea Market’.

With stronger Metro connectivity, people from different parts of the city gathered at Rangoli Metro Arts Centre to have some fun. A potent combination of food, art and craft made for a lovely day. From casual handstitched clothing to trendy outfits, the stalls had it all. One stall even sold ‘Modi jackets’ in different shades and sizes.

And as if M G Road’s street vendors selling jewellery weren’t enough, many home-based entrepreneurs brought out their goods too. Each design they showcased was unique and had a personal touch to it which made the products even more appealing to customers. ‘Nidarsha Creations’ was one of the stalls that was all geared up for the street fair. They showcased handmade polymer clay jewellery which was appreciated by many. Other accessories and apparel were also there.

Many stalls offered home decor items like dreamcatchers, stands and painted bottle lamps. One stall had upcycled glass bottles in the form of bowls and clocks. These deconstructed bottles caught the attention of people as they were innovative in making.

    “I like the things they have, especially the earrings. They are beautiful; I was looking for small studs which I couldn’t find, maybe because long earrings are in fashion now. Though clothes and other things are pretty much similar to those at other flea markets, I spotted a quirky stationery shop with many fancy items. It is a good place for all stationery lovers,” said Bhavya Dharmaraj, a PhD student.

Bakers and cooks also took the opportunity to showcase their skills in the kitchen. Mouth-watering treats — sweet and savoury — were displayed on the two days. ‘Mau Sweet Creationz’ had cake-in-jars, chocolate truffles, healthy cake loaves, cookies, cupcakes and doughnuts.

    ‘The Motley Crew’ also offered freshly baked brownies and cakes. Their motto was ‘Since it’s homemade, you don’t need to think twice before gobbling it up’. Savoury foods like pickles and masala powders were available. ‘MoMade Foods’ and ‘Vijaya Foods’ saw good sales. The latter offered exclusive millet-based health powders and multigrain malts as well. And it was not just clothes, home decors and accessories that found place in the flea market.

     There was also space for creating awareness about development programmes for children. The event saw an equal mix of enthusiastic young and old people flocking
Rangoli Metro Art Centre.

“I brought a few ‘battis’ that seem to be really convenient. This is already our second round here; we are looking for jewellery and other knick-knacks,” shared Reema, a visitor. She said that these flea markets are a good way to spend the Sunday with family and friends.

    Rekha, who is a regular visitor to many flea markets in the city, says that this one is more feasible as compared to the others.

    “We have visited other flea markets, but I found this one  much toned down. The prices here are also reasonable. If one likes something, they would certainly buy it and not drop the idea saying it’s too expensive.”