Welcome to the floating Sabji Bazaar (meaning vegetable market) of Jammu & Kashmir. Every morning, the vegetable cultivators of Dal Lake sail with their freshly loaded vegetables - a fascination in the valleys
A thread on the spectacular floating vegetable market of Dal Lake…
A thread on the spectacular floating vegetable market of Dal Lake…
1/ There are several floating markets in the world - such as the rowing shops in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam or Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in Bangkok.
The Kashmir Floating Vegetable Market is a central hub for produce vendors & it offers a unique glimpse of life in Kashmir
The Kashmir Floating Vegetable Market is a central hub for produce vendors & it offers a unique glimpse of life in Kashmir
2/ Dal Lake, situated in Jammu & Kashmir spreads over an area of 18–22 square kilometers, the vast sheet of water reflects the carved wooden balconies of houseboats and the misty peaks of the Pir Panjal mountains. The effect is truly stunning.
3/ During the Mughal period, the Lake Shore served as the summer resort of the Mughal Emperors. The Lake, also known as "Lake of Flowers" or "Jewel in the crown of Kashmir," is famous for its scenic location & its floating vegetable market & thousands of people live on its shores
4/ The market has been around for centuries, dating back to the reign of Zain-ul-Abidin, Kashmir’s 8th ruler. It first came into limelight when a Japanese photographer included a shot of the floating market in a tourist book published in 1960, it gained international recognition.
5/ Dal is almost a small city unto itself, with floating houses, schools, markets, marsh farms and even a post office. A fleet of houseboats lures travelers to spend time in one of the many floating neighborhoods.
6/ The beauty of Kashmir is worldwide famous for its enchanting snow capped peaks and alpine lakes. But beside plenty of famous places in Jammu and Kashmir the floating market is quite a popular view on the Kashmir Great Lakes
7/ The Sabji Bazaar (meaning vegetable market) is a fascination in the valleys of Kashmir. It is a floating market where individual sellers gather in the center of the lake at the break of day and wrap up just as the sunlight touches the water.
8/ Beautiful morning views on the banks of Dar Lake leading to the floating vegetable market…
9/ All the items sold here are produced in the floating gardens situated in the same lake. The suppliers of this market start their day at 4.00 am, heading to their floating gardens to reap their harvest. The freshly uprooted vegetables are then taken to the floating Sabji Bazaar
10/ The rich ecosystem of the lake produces a variety of vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, water chestnuts and the famous nadru or the lotus stems which is a delicacy in Kashmiri cuisine.
11/ Other vegetables like aubergines, carrots, radishes, turnips and various types of fruits are also sold on the floating market. There are also people selling flowers, a popular feature for tourists in particular
12/ There are no permanent shops on the lake. The local traders conduct their usual business in this floating market with the help of their boats.
13/ They row through the water by sitting in the front of their canoes in a cross-legged position, protecting themselves from the outside cold using long sweaters.
14/ This bazaar (market) is one of the few places where the barter system is still practiced. Partially adopting the traditional exchange system with the local traders, it also accepts the modern currency system for tourists and vendors.
15/ There is a rush of sellers & vendors at the crack of the day & as the clock hits seven in the morning, the crowd vanishes and the place becomes silent as if the market never existed.
16/ Any vegetables left over after the haggling and exchange process at the floating market are taken to street markets
17/ A boat loaded with vegetables on Dar Lake
18/ To visit the market, you must wake up early to catch a shikara, a traditional wooden flat-bottomed boat, which must be booked in advance. The boatman will row the shikara across narrow water alleys, crossing the floating city at the threshold of dawn.
19/ Along the way, you can witness the darkness of the sky yielding to a radiant golden yellow, to the melody of the birds singing and the rhythm of the oars.
20/ After about 20 minutes or so, you will start hearing the hum of a market in full swing. Suddenly, the shikara will take a turn and enter a substantial open part of the lake. You'll be welcomed by the sound of farmers and vendors chatting, bargaining and making deals.
21/ Flower sellers with their shikaras full of colourful blooms sail from one tourist boat to another. They give a complimentary lotus even to those who don't buy anything.
22/ The early-morning shivers are taken care of by vendors selling kahwa - a traditional Kashmiri drink made of green tea leaves & whole spices, sprinkled with saffron & nuts
Famous Kashmiri Kahwa seller Mushtaq hussain Akhoon sells a unique Kahwa everyday with 16 ingredients
Famous Kashmiri Kahwa seller Mushtaq hussain Akhoon sells a unique Kahwa everyday with 16 ingredients
23/ Dal Lake is particularly mesmerizing. The lake is definitely one of the major attractions of Srinagar. On the clear waters of the vast lake, you can see the reflections of the Pir Panjal ranges.
24/ The Floating vegetable market Srinagar is the social fabric of Dal Lake. You will experience the life on Dal Lake, the life of the local people as you spend some time in this incredible market. It is an adventure in itself.
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