Markets of Matriarchs in the North-east

The Northeast has a vast number of markets and the most unique thing about most of these markets is that it is run by mainly women. Here is a list of some of the more famous marketplaces.

One of the most famous marketplaces in the North-east is the Ima market located in Imphal, Manipur. It is the largest women's bazaar in India and maybe even Asia. Approximately 3000 women gather here every day and they sell everything ranging from fish, vegetables, pickles, honey and oranges. Manipuri women have always been considered strong and feisty and the legacy still lives on in the market place. The market is also home to excellent regional hand loom goods. When visiting the market, its best not to haggle too hard as the first price given is about 20% above the final cost. The market is run mainly by older women who are usually grandmothers who allow their children to take care of their younger lot at home.

Another market in Manipur is located in Moreh. Although, Manipur has been invaded by the Burmese multiple number of times, it however now enjoys good trade relations with its neighbours. There are countless number of Chinese made goods easily available. The town of Moreh is in itself a giant marketplace with a mix of cultures and with Manipur being a dry state; Moreh is the exception where plenty of beer is available. By paying a small fee of 10 rupees you can find a world of electronics, trainers and toys. The women here paint their faces with yellow thanakha which act as a sunscreen.

Bara bazaar in Mizoram is one of the busiest market places in the North-east. The atmosphere is electrifying and everyone is seen either smoking or chewing khuva (betel). A sense of equality among the sexes is evident and there are mainly women gathering around the market place. They bring produce from their farms and homesteads and there is heaps of tobacco leaves seen lying around the marketplace.

Shillong has one of the largest market places known as Iewduh or bara bazaar. Most of the vendors are mainly women and the market attracts thousands of people every day. Tourists also have a good time maneuvering through the ins and outs of the market which sells everything from fish, vegetables and even bows and arrows.

Another great market in Meghalaya is the extraordinary Eighth day market in Cherrapunji which occurs every eight days. Here you can spot Khasi women wearing their checkered gingham aprons which are tied over their shoulders. This is called a jainkyrshah. During winter, they wrap themselves in plaid shawls which are an influence left behind by the Welsh missionaries. The best time to visit the market is in the winter to buy their famous plump oranges.

sources: internet

image: internet