Odisha, predominately recognised by the pilgrim visitors as the abode of Lord Jagannath and devoid of any connection with commercial aspects of the city, Puri is actually a vibrant city rent with colourful markets. Shopping in Puri is unique with an integration of conventional beliefs, artistic creations and historical landmarks. These markets offer an excellent cultural spectacle of an assortment of handcrafted products, textiles, and souvenir stands.
Many come to Puri for shopping since the markets in this place are very colorful and the tourists get to appreciate many beautiful products which signifies Indian arts. The handicrafts in Puri are marked by the fine patterns and workmanship, giving a picture of the ageless traditions that have been passed on to the next generations. A visitor planning to buy a souvenir from the Lord Jagannath temple or shopping for fabrics and souvenirs of Puri, there are plenty of options for shopping.
It’s time to reveal what these markets have to offer – from exquisite malas and diverse handicrafts to beautiful fabrics and souvenirs reflecting the spirit of Odisha.
Top 5 Markets for Handicrafts in Puri
Puri’s markets are filled with various types of handicraft items such as the famous applique items, stones carved articles, Pattachitra paintings etc. Every market offers different souvenirs and items, but these five markets are the best places to seek out the great works of Puri’s craftsmanship:
- Pipili Market
Renowned for ornate applique work, Pipili Market cannot be ideally avoided by anyone keen on observing and purchasing skillful traditional Puri crafts. Applique is a technique where several pieces of brightly colored cloth are sewn onto a background fabric that has been used widely in home decorations, handbags, umbrellas, and other liturgical uses. From these designs and colors, applique work of Pipili distinguishes itself as a form of art that interests both the layman and a foreigner.
- Swargadwar Market:
Swargadwar Market is located near the sea shore and is one of the popular markets for shopping in Puri. It is famous for its variety of products that includes locally made souvenirs like shell craft products, bamboo products, and terracotta products. The market also offers a wide array of Puri handicrafts products such as exquisite wooden carvings and stunning stone sculptures. Tourist can also buy local handicraft products such as small statues of Lord Jagannatha, painted face masks and palm imprint art forms.
- Raghurajpur Heritage Village
Though only a kilometer away from Puri, the Raghurajpur Heritage Village is home to some exceptional artists. Best known for the beautiful Pattachitra paintings, this village is most proud of its skilled painters who have been blessed with such gifts since generations. Pattachitra is a type of scroll art of painting in cloth but the painting is done with mythological and spiritual themes. Apart from Pattachitra art, Raghurajpur also offers wooden works, stone carving arts and other art forms. - Chandanpur Village Market
The Chandanpur Market is the most famous shopping center where visitors can buy attractive and beautiful stone carving and brass works. This marketplace boasts of intricately carved statues of deities and other traditional arts and crafts made from natural stones obtained from the region, brass work and religious materials. This workmanship makes it perfect for visitors to take some art from Puri as souvenirs that will remind them of their times in the region. - Grand Road Market (Bada Danda)
The Grand Road Market, which is located on the road to the famous and sacred Jagannath Temple, is a popular site to visit. It is known for providing all necessities of Jagannath culture temple souvenirs and ornaments, here various artistic works include carved wooden works, cute little chariot or raths and painted idols are found here. Also, it sells various kinds of varieties of stone sculptures and genuine articles used for home decoration, thus, so prominent that any visitor to the Puri markets will consider it a place to must visit.
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Ready to discover which of these markets calls to your inner artisan and explorer?
Where to Buy Puri’s Famous Textiles
Puri is equally famous for its textiles, particularly its traditional handlooms. While on the look out for good fabrics, Puri houses some of the best woven fabrics in the state of Odisha.
- Sambalpuri Silk and Cotton
Sambalpuri silk and cotton are the strongly demanded types of textiles in Puri. Their original ikat patterns, intense color palette, and old-world motifs place them among locals and tourists’ favorites. Real Sambalpuri apparels are available at many textile shops in and around the Jagannath Temple area or treat market of Swargadwar. Chitrotpala Handloom Centre.
For those who prefer being surrounded by traditional elements while shopping, the Chitrotpala Handloom Centre shall be a good fit for you. It is here where one can find real handwoven fabrics that depict Odisha’s ethnological and ornamental traditions of weaving. This centre has a variety of woven fabrics ranging from Sambalpuri, Bomkai, to Berhampuri sarees. Utkalika Handicrafts Emporium.
Utkalika Handicrafts Emporium is a government-run shop that has a complete collection of handicrafts and textiles under one roof for those who like a specific or systematic shopping pattern. Apart from Sambalpuri silk, tourists can also get other traditional weaving products of Odisha like Ikat and Bomkai.
- Grand Road Textile Shops
In addition to its famous handicrafts, Grand Road Market is also famous for textiles stores. These shops have every type of fabric you can think of, from Sambalpuri silk to handwoven cotton sarees. The street is filled with many shops thus customers can find both traditional and modern designs of the sarees, scarves and home linens that they require.
Which of these textile hubs would you visit to wrap yourself in the vibrant colors of Odisha’s traditions?
Best Spots for Souvenirs and Temple Artifacts
If you’re looking for souvenirs that remind you of Puri’s spiritual and cultural heritage, the following spots are the best places to shop:
- Jagannath Temple Souvenir Stalls
The shophouses located near the Jagannath Temple hold uniquely adorable items in their vending stalls. These vary from miniature deities of Lord Jagannath to the beautifully handcrafted wooden toys. Moreover, there is also an assortment of small brass and silver items that are suited very well as religious souvenirs or personal keepsakes. Most tourists indulge in souvenirs associated with their journey to the famous temple, these may include wooden chariots, Pattachitra paintings of the deity among others. - Pipili Market
Apart from the stunning work of hand applied embellishments, the Pipili Market offers all types of ornamented souvenirs in resemblance of temples which are great for purchase. Collectibles of immense variety heavily bear the influence of the world-famous Jagannath Temple and are not merely restricted to objects of worship but can even serve as home decor. This is perhaps the most vibrant market for those who would like to experience the cultural and religious background of Puri. - Grand Road Market
Not only does Grand Road sell many traditional items such as crafts and fabrics but it also has many souvenirs related to the Jagannath Temple. Here, one gets to see numerous stalls that are involved in the sale of religious items like brass puja trays, wooden carving, small statues of Lord Jagannath, paintings etc. So, the choice of Puri souvenirs for people visiting Puri is vast, and every person will find something that will suit him or her tastes and preferences.
Bargaining Tips and Shopping Etiquette in Puri
Shopping in Puri markets can be a delightful experience if you know how to navigate the local customs. Here are some Puri shopping tips to ensure you have a smooth shopping experience:
- Bargain Respectfully: Bargaining is popular in Puri especially in Swargadwar and Pipili with the market being the main hub. Begin with a low bid that may fall within the range of 50 – 60% that of the vendor, then make your way up until you reach a middle ground.
- Buy from Local Artisans: Puri has more to offer that can help people understand the local culture better, than just buying the products from local artisans. The best place to buy the ornaments is right from the artisans themselves especially from the places like Raghurajpur or Pipili where they are spotted.
- Check for Authenticity: Beware of counterfeit products while procuring fabrics such as Sambalpuri silk or other local handicrafts. opt for certificates of authenticity particularly in government operated establishments such as ‘Utkalika Emporium’.
Conclusion
Shopping in Puri is not merely a venture of purchasing goods but is a voyage through the heart and soul of Odisha. From the ornaments and clothes with rich patterns to woven accessories and the symbolic souvenirs, it’s all about the story. The markets of Puri are for the tourists to be able to appreciate the well-remembered classic art of the Indian society and take a piece of these cultural beliefs home with them.
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