Diwali gifts of a traditional flavor are available until November 30 from 12-9 pm behind the stalls and between the arches of the historic Gohar Mahal of Bhopal in the old city, just off VIP Road.
Deepotsava Bazaar, the market organized by Sant Ravidas MP Handicrafts and Handloom Development Corporation, brings together local artisans and vendors to a venue recalling the bazaars of eras past.
The offering is rich. Sparkling jewellery, carpets, saris, cushions, wooden toys, brass religious items, ayurvedic remedies, clay sculptures, kurtas, tribal art and potli bags are just some of the items for sale.
One vendor, Srishti Singh, originally from Burhanpur, comes from a family of jewellery makers, including her sisters, mother and mother-in-law. Her wares are on display for the duration of the bazaar.
Another seller, Arun Mali, has traditional Rajasthani print-block kurtas for sale. Colorful kurtas hang from his stall with daboo and khashish prints. “The cotton and material for the hand-block print is completely natural and organic,” he said.
From Dindori, Vijay Dhruva has brought hundreds of beautifully composed tribal artworks, showing the intimate connection between nature and the Gond community.
Gohar Mahal is surely pleased to receive some much needed guests. It was built in 1820 by Qudisiya Begum, the first female ruler of Bhopal, for use as a workplace, but later became her residence.
It is long since it has felt homely and generally sits in a semi-abandoned state, close to the Upper Lake. In that sense, like much of historic Bhopal, it is underused and underappreciated.
The beautiful courtyards and Mughal style arches make the area a pleasant one to browse the stalls or while away an afternoon.
The original palace had two courtyards. The first was Diwan-e-Aam, on which common folk converged. The second was Diwan-i-Khas, where only people of high rank could go.
For the bazaar, no special rank is required, though a few hundred rupees will no doubt come in handy. The palace awaits and there can be no better time than Diwali to bring life and light back to Gohar Mahal
