Can 21 stalls give us a complete experience of a night bazaar? Whatever said, it's important that the stall owners get the kind of footfall they are looking for.
Flamboyante's recent night bazaar has some slightly perplexed
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think night bazaars? The sound of trinkets; avant-garde jewellery; the whiff of freshly-baked pizzas; serene atmosphere and glittery couture on display.
A night bazaar, however, is much more than this. Night markets are street markets beginning late in the evening and going on past midnight. They are usually dedicated to leisurely shopping through an assortment of delicacies in a casual atmosphere. Night bazaars have specialised stalls sporting clothes, food or wine. Some of the best-known night markets in the world are in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore and Thailand.
Flamboyante, a courtyard restaurant at the World Trade Centre in Mumbai recently hosted a Night Bazaar to celebrate its first anniversary.
The concept, however, is still relatively new in the city. Night bazaars are taking place in that suburbs as well as in the city, but it isn't a typical 'night bazaar'. Ishween Anand of Nyassa, who had a stall of luxurious body products at Flamboyante, says, "I am happy with the clientele, but it seems like people are still not aware about the concept of a night bazaar. According to me, a night bazaar is something casual and trendy."
Nilakshi Shah, a shopper feels the concept is beneficial to housewives - who can finish their chores and go shopping with their spouse. However this particular bazaar started at 4pm and ran till 11pm.
Neelam Jain, of SOHO, a stall of accessories and bridal wear is surprised at the timings considering it was labeled a night bazaar. A night bazaar ought to extend at least till midnight, she said. Jain added that a night bazaar should offer something that is out-of-the-box and not run-of-the-mill stuff. "This doesn't seem to be a night bazaar at all.
It should offer an array of shops and not just stalls of clothes and accessories."
Maybe night bazaars have their own distinctive flavor and style, but the potpourri was missing. With people globetrotting, there is awareness about the type of night markets happening all over the world.
Rashi Agarwal, a shopper at Flamboyante, says, "The bazaar is well set up, but hasn't met my expectations. I expected a night bazaar to have something beyond clothes, catering to all types of people, and a variety in cuisine as well."
Can 21 stalls give us a complete experience of a night bazaar? Whatever said, it's important that the stall owners get the kind of footfall they are looking for.
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