Know your city: 9. Tulshibaug

4 Established in: 18th century 4 Located at: Near Vishrambaug Wada 4 Daily footfalls: Around 8,500

Most of the hardcore Punekars believe that the popular Marathi saying “Pune tithe kay une,” (Pune lacks nothing) applies chiefly to the most popular and arguably the oldest shopping destination in the city,Tulsibaug. Located near the bustling Laxmi road and sprawling from across the Vishrambag Wada,the marketplace is one of the busiest places in the city.

Established in the late 18th century,Tulsibaug gets its name from the Tulshibaug Wada located in this area which is a famous temple of lord Ram,Ganpati and Shiv. A favourite among the ladies,Tulsibaug is famous for being a one-stop-shop,for affordable and varied goods such as clothes,make-up,shoes,bags and purses,daily care products,kitchen utensils,puja samagri,bangles,bindis,crockery and gift items,among others.

Veteran shoppers often warn newcomers and visitors to the ways of the market,as bargaining is the mantra the market follows. “Whatever amount the shopkeeper or hawker asks for,just ask the item for exactly half the price,” says a seasoned shopper. “That way,the shopkeeper will agree to an amount close to 60 per cent of the quoted price. And whatever you do,don’t show weakness,” she added,as she bustled away towards her goal — a new range of pillow covers that had caught her eye.

Apart from shopping,the market has a great food culture as well. Spicy vada-pao and sabudana vada stalls are strewn across the market. Joints such as the Kawre ice-cream parlour,which is famous for its “softies” and kulfies and Shree Krishna Bhuvan known for its sizzling misal-pav are favorite hangouts of all the shoppers.

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