Written By: Adam M. Haidermota
The winter months in Karachi are known largely for cool weather, beach bonfires and too many weddings. A huge part of these winter months however, is what this author likes to call “bazaar season”. Due to the better weather and the influx of expatriates who are visiting, the various carnivals and bazaars which feature our cottage industries tend to plan their events around this time of year. Dozens of craftspeople, hobbyists and entrepreneurs emerge to create vibrant markets with unique goods which can be hard to find throughout the other parts of the year.
The German Consulate planned an incredible German themed winter market or Weihnachtsmarkt back in December. Although the products were mostly from Pakistani vendors or inspired by Pakistani culture, the set up and ambiance that the organizers created certainly made attendees feel as though they had been transported outside of Karachi. The highlight of this bazaar was perhaps the food options which were great in terms of variety and quality. Options included traditional Japanese snacks, Burmese khao suey, and local fresh juices.
Alliance Francaise de Karachi started off its 2019 with a bang at their annual French Bazaar. Craftspeople, hobbyists, and entrepreneurs alike set up stalls to showcase their wares to Karachiites in a fun, family friendly environment. Items on sale included custom printed scarves, truck art style kitchen utensils, beautiful pottery, and much more. In the food aisle, crepes, fried oreos, doner kebabs, and ice lollies were amongst the many refreshing treats that were perfect for the serene Sunday afternoon day on which the outdoor bazaar was held.
The themes at both these bazaars were quite similar. Attendees beamed in delight as they spotted old friends through the crowd and swayed to music which set the perfect ambiance (happy Christmas music at the winter bazaar and a live musician at the French bazaar). The craftspeople and hawkers chatted from between their stalls, reminiscing about past bazaars where they had met, discussing future collaborations and making plans to be stationed next to one another at the ones to come.
Although these two great bazaars are over for the season, there are still more to come. Other events coming early this year include the Karachi Down Syndrome Program’s KDSP Carnival on 20th March , and The Crafter’s Guild’s Bohemian: A Fair For Creatives on 7th April. Behbud and Saarc both also hold events around this time of year but at the time at which this blog was written, dates were not yet available.
Whether you’re looking to seek out some awesome handicrafts, spend a fun day with family, or take your new fiancé on a date, the bazaars are the place to be!
