In The Bazaars of Hyderabad

Yes, this is going to be yet another post about Charminar:) This is the Ramzan month, and hence, the best time to take a walk through the quaint alleys around Charminar. Bangles, lehengas, shararas, pearls, yards and yards of beautiful fabric of all kinds, lace, zari, mehendi, saris, dry fruits, spices, ethnic footwear...paradise for any shopaholic! I went there a couple of days ago with a friend who also loves taking photographs. We shopped and took pictures all evening :)

I'll leave you with this poem by Sarojini Naidu called "In The Bazaars of Hyderabad", that beautifully describes the Charminar experience :)

What do you sell, O ye merchants ?

Richly your wares are displayed.

Turbans of crimson and silver,

Tunics of purple brocade,

Mirror with panels of amber,

Daggers with handles of jade.

What do you weigh, O ye vendors?

Saffron and lentil and rice.

What do you grind, O ye maidens?

Sandalwood, henna, and spice.

What do you call , O ye pedlars?

Chessman and ivory dice.

What do you make, O ye goldsmiths?

Wristlets and ankles and ring,

Bells for the feet of blue pigeons

Frail as a dragonfly's wing,

Girdles of gold for dancers,

Scabbards of gold for the king.

What do you cry, O ye fruitmen?

Citron, pomegranate, and plum.

What do you play, O ye magicians?

Spells for aeons to come.

What do you weave, O ye flowergirls

With tassels of azure and red?

Crowns for the brow of a bridegroom,

Chaplets to garland his bed,

Sheets of white blossoms new-garnered

To perfume the sleep of the dead.

--Sarojini Naidu

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