Decades-old market livens up Peravallur every month

Neither the hawkers nor the residents know when the market first made its appearance on Sundaraja Perumal Koil Street in Peravallur.

The street market, which is held on the pay day of Southern Railway, has on offer various wares at affordable rates — Photo: M. Srinath

It’s a tradition that has prevailed for many decades. Every month, the one-day market at Peravallur springs to life on the pay day of Southern Railway.

Normally, the pay day falls on the ninth day of the month. As it was a Sunday this month, Southern Railway advanced it to the seventh. The hawkers, aware of the change, were there as usual, displaying their wares, say residents.

Neither the hawkers nor the residents know when the market first made its appearance on Sundaraja Perumal Koil Street in Peravallur.

Adiseshaiah, a 67-year-old resident of Agaram, said the market had been around since his childhood. He said that initially, the market was held in a space near a temple.

The colourful market has on offer toys, bangles, vegetables, clothes and kitchen items at affordable rates.

“On other days, we move to other markets in the city,” says S. Babu, a hawker of toys.

Residents want better traffic management. “Vehicles should be barred from entering the street during the market day,” says Gayathri Balaji, a regular.