Laad Bazaar
2262578
220966860
2008-06-22T13:00:22Z
Randhirreddy
1084434
/* Shopping */
[[Image:chudi laad bazaar.jpg|right|thumbnail|250px|Bangles on display at Laad Bazaar, [[Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh|Hyderabad]]]]
'''Laad Bazaar''' or '''Choodi Bazaar''' is a very old market for popular for [[bangles]] located in [[Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh|Hyderabad]]. It is located on one of the four main roads that branch out from the historic [[Charminar]].
''Laad'' meaning [[lacquer]] is used to make Bangles, on which artificial diamonds are studded. In this kilometre-long shopping strip exclusively for women. A vast and colourful array of stores selling bangles, [[sari]]s, wedding related items, cheap jewellery etc are sold here.
==History==
This market is very old well in operation since the time of the [[Qutb Shahi]]s and the [[Nizam]]s. The old shops give a glimpse of the rich aura of the past.
Its proximity to the epicenter of erstwhile [[Hyderabad state]] like the Charminar, [[Makkah Masjid]] and [[Chowmahalla Palace]] held a coveted position.
==Shopping==
[[Image:Laadbazar.jpg|right|thumbnail|200px|A typical shop in Laad Bazaar]]
It is popular for gorgeous bangles, [[Gemstone|semi-precious stones]], [[pearls]], [[Sari|saris]], [[brocade]], [[velvet]] and [[Embroidery|gold embroidered fabrics]], traditional [[Khara Dupatta]]s, lacquer bangles and perfumes.
The exquisite range of [[lac]] and [[glass]] bangles are the pride and joy of the women of Hyderabad.
Bargaining and haggling is part and parcel of this market. Shopkeepers employ "beckoning" tactics, placing an employee at the entrance of the store beckoning passers-by to enter their shop.
[[Image:Laad_bazaar_bangles.jpg|right|200px|thumb]]
Many stores are furnished with a clean, soft cotton mattress that covers the entire floor. Customers sit on the soft cotton mattress without shoes, lean against a wall with a round pillow and the sales person presents all items on the floor. All business is conducted on this floor and often other employees use the padded area in the back, as they may be sorting or sewing.
[[Auto rickshaw]]s and cars are barred entrance from Charminar end (the preferred entrance) of the strip due to the narrow street being crowded, and only pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles and scooters, and sometimes cycle-rickshaws are permitted to enter.
South-East of Laad Bazaar are the palaces built by different Nizams including the Chowmahalla Palace.
==External links==
*[http://www.fullhyderabad.com/scripts/virtualTours.php3?section=VirtualTours&name=Lad Fullhyderabad.com]
*[http://www.flickr.com/photos/10647023@N04/1351096719/in/pool-india_images/ Picture of the bazaar on flickr]
*[http://www.flickr.com/photos/10647023@N04/1237477096/in/set-72157601669017181/ The Bangles]
*[http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=17.361923,78.472842&q=17.361923,78.472842&spn=0.002401,0.00537&t=h Satellite picture by Google Maps]
{{coor title d|17.361923|N|78.472842|E|region:IN_type:landmark}}
[[Category:Neighbourhoods of Hyderabad, India]]
[[Category:Economy of Hyderabad, India]]
[[Category:Bazaars]]
{{Hyderabad-geo-stub}}