Sandhais hold their own in the age of supermarkets

Weekly and monthly markets continue to be the preferred option for many residents

April 27, 2015 12:00 am | Updated 07:15 am IST - CHENNAI:

In a city dominated by supermarkets and small grocery stores with shoppers spoilt for choice, the tradition of purchasing household items at weekly markets or ‘ sandhais ’ still has its own charm. Groups of loyal customers throng these markets every week in different parts of the city, its immediate suburbs as well as far-flung pockets. Several hawkers with different kinds of wares assemble on a particular day of the week, mostly near temples in villages, resulting in a festive atmosphere.

Neon-lit supermarkets functioning out of gleaming showrooms and malls have not pushed these weekly markets out of business. Be it in Pallavaram, Peravallur or Putlur, each market has their own history.

Market on salary day: The monthly market at Sundaraja Perumal Koil Street, Peravallur, is held on the 9th of every month (based on the salary day of Perambur Carriage Works employees). The market has all the stuff that a family needs including vegetables, clothes, toys, bangles and kitchen ware at affordable rates.

Fresh veggies and fruits: Similarly the weekend market held on all Saturdays and Sundays at Vataranyeshwarar Temple Thiruvalangadu near Thiruvallur is famous for fresh vegetables and fruits sourced from the fields in nearby villages. The market is a big draw for the people in the locality and areas nearby.

Devotion and shopping sense: The market at Putlur near Tiruttani is held on three days during a week - Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays — on Amman Koil Street leading to the Sri Angala Parameswari Amman Temple. The hawkers at the market sell vegetables and greens and small plastic toys. The selection of the days by the hawkers is backed by sound business sense, as the devotees consider these days to be auspicious and flock in large numbers to the temple.

For fresh fish, organic produce: Potheri is a famous hunting ground for shoppers of fresh vegetables, organic items and varieties of fish. The market is open on Saturdays at Agricultural Technology Information Centre and is supported by Krishi Vigyan Kendra.

While these markets are well-known among the residents of the locality, residents of Avadi Heavy Vehicle Factory rue the discontinuance of a market held every month.

The market that used to be held near the Pattabhiram Military Siding railway station every month on the pay day of the Central government was a big draw among military personnel and local residents.

The nearly 180-year-old Friday market in Cantonment Pallavaram that is held on Old Trunk Road is also a huge draw. It attracts people from all over the city and the suburban areas of Kancheepuram district.

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