INDIA: Mysore's Dejava Market

Located in the heart of Mysore is the centuries old Devaraja Market.

There are stalls with typical products such as fruits and vegetables.

And then there are stalls with spices, natural dyes, perfumes, sweets and handcrafts.

For me, the most amazing section was the flower vendors.

Parts of the market are covered with colourful tarps to provide some shade.

It is famous for its stalls selling fresh fruits, vegetables, and aromatic spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and turmeric.

Weigh scales.

 

Wandering cows.

 

Bananas are kept in a separate area since bananas can cause the other fruits to ripen too quickly, which I did not know before. We were also told that there are 33 different types of bananas.

Banana leaves are used for many things, including as dinner plates or placemats, and are sold in bulk. 

The market is also known for its vividly colored Kumkum, which are finely ground powders used in Hindu rituals, festivals, and cultural traditions.

There are also handmade perfumes and incense sticks locally crafted from sandalwood and jasmine.

 

 

One of the most interesting sights is the flower section.

 

Garland makers (surprisingly, all male) weave together fragrant jasmine, marigolds, and roses. I cannot imagine how tough it would be to sit on cross legs and weave garlands all day. 

 

 

Since there are so many of these stands I imagine competition must be tough, so the hawkers bark and yell, similar to fish mongers in Athens.

 

We wandered across the street and found a fabric/clothing district.

If something doesn’t fit, or, you want some changes, there was a tailor working on his foot treadle sewing machine. My grandmother had a treadle Singer sewing machine, so I can imagine this is a very old machine that he patiently works with.

I did find a stall where I bought 3 pairs of casual pants for US$4.50 (not from these 2 ladies.) I was very pleased with myself and thought I had found the bargain of the century.

Until about 3 wears later when the “dye” started wearing off the butt…. 

Let’s just say I was very embarrassed and remembered the expression "you get what you pay for."