Apart from its temples and copious historical attractions, the old and new capital of Odisha (aka Cuttack and Bhubaneswar), otherwise called as twin city are filled with many attractive shopping destinations. These marketplaces sell almost everything, right from local crafts, swanky souvenirs to interesting curios and lots more. Though the malls and huge shopping centers have become good places to hang out, the old time markets with small stalls remain the center of all shopping attractions in these cities. Let’s have a look into the most glorious markets of the Twin Cities.
Unit-1 Market, Bhubaneswar
Lifeline of Odisha
Popularly called as 1number Hatta (Market), it has been the main supplier of household goods to people of Bhubaneswar and nearby places for many generations now. It is indeed the largest wholesale market of Bhubaneswar. Most of the wedding shopping in Odisha is done here. It is the one-stop market where you can buy from groceries to vegetables, from clothing to worship items, from bridal shoe to Sehra of groom. Bargaining is often not required as the prices are quite reasonable. While meandering through the maze-like lanes of the market, one has to be quite aware of the roads, otherwise you may get lost.
- Landmark: Behind SBI Main Branch, Bhubaneswar
- Timings: 6 AM – 10 PM
- Must buy: Wedding accessories and branded clothing at decent prices.
- Tip: Have a pre-set budget and list of items you want to buy before visiting the market, otherwise you may seem lost!
Market Building, Bhubaneswar
Fashion Capital of Odisha
If you are a shopaholic then you must step into Unit 2 Market building. Locals revere it as the mother of all shopping zones in the city. Covering a large area, this is an open air market. The market is known to contain huge stocks of items matching anyone’s price range. Ladies just love this market and they have plenty of reasons too. The market specializes in varieties of ladies bags, foot wears, junk jewelries and long scarves. In terms of clothing, it is believed that dresses in fashion hit this market first and then move to other parts of the state. Bargaining is an art you have to master to get the best prices in this market.
- Landmark: Rajmahal Square, Bhubaneswar
- Timings: 10 AM – 10 PM (Mondays are closed)
- Must buy: Ladies fashion items and trendy clothing.
- Tip: Start your bargaining by quoting half of the price stated by the shopkeeper.
- Eating: While shopping you can enjoy the ethnic Odia food such as Gupchup, Aloo Dum and Dahibara in stalls within the market.
Ekmra Haat, Bhubaneswar
Ethnic centre of Odisha
If you are on an ethnic shopping quest in the temple city then ‘Ekamra Haat’ is the place to visit. The market, which is spread over 5 acres, contains a cluster of 42 handloom shops. The specialty of this market lies in selling traditional and tribal Odia handicrafts and handlooms. There are large exhibitions held in the adjacent ground, which gives the visitors more choices.
- Landmark: Unit 3, Exhibition Ground, Bhubaneswar
- Timings: 10 AM – 10 PM
- Must buy: Appliqué, stone carving, lacquer work, wood carving, cane and bamboo works, terracotta and palm leaf engraving, etc.
- Eating: Don’t forget to taste rice based fried cake (locally known as Chakuli Pitha) and traditionally cooked mutton curry which is the specialty of this place.
Nayasadak, Cuttack
Silver jewelry hub of India
Shopping in Cuttack is incomplete without purchasing some silver jewelry (or Tarakashi). For 600 years, silver filigree works have been the most important export items of Odisha. The exquisitely decorated, classical or modern designs of silver filigree are a definite buy on your trip to Odisha. Nayasadak is the hub of silver filigree work, where the streets are dotted with shops and showrooms selling silver jewelry.
- Landmark: High Court, Cuttack
- Timings: 9 AM to 8.30 PM
- Must buy: At this market you can purchase silver filigree works such as necklaces, ear pendants, brooches, anklets, hairpins, bangles as well as jewelry worn by Odissi dancers. Silver made puja items and other utensils are also definite buy from the market.
- Tip: Bargain to purchase items at best prices.
Chaudhri Bazaar, Cuttack
Setting Trends in Cuttack
If you are in Cuttack and want to purchase trendy clothing then Chaudhri Bazaar is your answer. This market has served decades of fashion to the Cuttack residents. There are rows of retailer shops selling trendiest clothing. While meandering through the market, you may catch many families going through their wedding shopping list, as this is the best destination to find wedding items in the city.
- Landmark: Gourisankar Park, Cuttack
- Timing: 9 AM to 9 PM
- Must buy: You can pick up some Cuttacki saris, lacquer work items (with delicate motifs)
- Tip: Though the prices quotes here are mostly reasonable, you can minimize the price a bit with some bargaining.
ALSO READ: Buddhist sites of Odisha, Sweets of Odisha
