For all those women who believe that shopping relieves stress, but who find it difficult to spend whopping amounts on shopping along with running a smooth household, Tulsibaug market is probably the perfect answer. Overcrowded and narrow lanes, people haggling over prices with the kiosk owners and shopkeepers and a few foreigners trying to ‘feel India’ – is a normal day scene at Tulsibaug.

Vinod Oswal, son of KN Oswal, who owns Samrat General Stores, one of the oldest shop in the market, says, “The market was established in 1945, but the kiosks and stall have come up recently. The place got its name from the Ram temple that is more than 300 years old. Despite offering every household, decorative, and vanity item, the market is cheaper than rest of the city markets.”

Though small and crowded, the market boasts of availability of its wide range of products. “From a needle to gold, clothes to utensils and other things of use, Tulsibaug has it all on offer. Apart from the fact that things are cheap, which in itself a good feeling for the customers, there is space for bargaining as well. A constant tiff between the shop owners and the stall owners also does not make any difference as the market is over-crowded at all times,” says Yesulal Zaverichand Jain, owner of Ashoka Stores, a 30-year-old shop.

From fancy watches and vanity fare, to clothes, jewellery, toys, home décor, furniture, daily use and even footwear – the market has it all. Even the kiosks that sell jewelleries or footwear flaunt the same design and shine that a reputed shop will boast off. The place not only proves to be a feel good shopping destination, but it also attracts foreign nationals, who visit Pune, to get a feel of Indian markets.

... contd.