Bangles, jewellery, t-shirts, and of course, kites – all in Tricolour! Patang Bazaar at Lal Kuan in Old Delhi’s Hauz Qazi becomes a seasonal industry in August every year, when the country celebrates Independence Day.
Saffron, white, and green hues dominate the market and flags flutter in the air.
For local vendors, it is the time of the year when they transform their different shops into the one selling articles related to Independence Day. Shopfronts that usually sell a variety of goods start to don tri-coloured merchandise.
Imran, who has been selling the products since 2007, says “It’s a business here at this time of the year. People from all over Delhi come here to buy products for the celebrations of Independence Day, especially kites. None of the vendors here usually sell these products. As for me, I sell vegetables. However, I also run an alternative business where I supply these products to events.”
Imran is particularly proud of garlands made of tri-coloured flowers that he specialises in.
The street also becomes a melting pot of pop culture references. From Sidhu Moosewala, to Anupama, from Chhota Bheem to Angry birds, all kinds of kites are available. Some of them are the size of a hand palm, while others could turn into a bedsheet.
Everyone, irrespective of their age, browse the streets with particular interest. Women buy bangles and earrings for the children to wear during I-Day in schools. As August 15 approaches, what the vendors say hold true: “Paer rakhne ki jagah nahin milegi” (You won’t find a place to put your foot). No doubt, they are happy about it.
