With a penchant for exploring the native spirit and culture of a place, I stepped into the renowned Devaraja market of Mysore on my recent visit to the city. Over 100 years old, the market is the epitome of vibrancy, activity and vivacity. A prominent landmark of the heritage city, this market is literally the “go to” place for all kinds of fruits, vegetables, items of worship, spices, baskets and all kinds of knick knacks.
Having visited local markets in other cities, I found the market here fairly organized in comparison with others. There are separate sections for fruits, vegetables, flowers and the like. So while I witnessed the typical chaos, there was certainly a method in the madness. A great place to soak in the local culture, tradition and customs of the city, the market is truly the delight of the offbeat traveler.
The best part of the market of course is the flower section that is a complete riot of colors and an eclectic mix of pleasant fragrances emanating from lilies and of course the delightful variants of jasmine.
The highlight of the market of course is the queen of flowers aka jasmine that is integral to the culture of Mysore. While there are known to be more than 300 varieties of jasmine, the “Mysore mallige” or Mysore jasmine ( whose botanical name is Jasminum grandiflorum) is famous not only throughout Karnataka but also the entire world.
Endemic to the region of Karnataka, these flowers are cultivated in and around the areas of Mysore and the nearby Srirangapatna. Patronized by none other than the royalty of the city, the flower continues to be an inspiration for many a poet and numerous artists. Extremely popular, they hold a special place in the life of Mysoreans and people of the state, be it festivals, weddings or special occasions.
Mounds of unstrung jasmine are devoured in bulk by resellers and retailers the moment the stock arrives. Interestingly, these flowers are so different from the jasmine of Mangalore that also is from the state of Karnataka.
A visit to the Devaraja market, proved, yet again, that flower markets in our country are a true reflection of India’s endless diversity. Ubiquitous yet unique, each of them offer an experience that compares to none other. To read about other Flower markets of India, read my article on Happy trips here.
Market seems to have a very traditional kind of feeling! Beautiful
Thanks a lot Swami!
Oh how I love fresh produce markets. This one is amazing with the jasmine flowers, etc. Thank you for posting such vibrant photos
Thanks Marion!
Beautiful photos. So colourful☺ x
Yes it is really bright and colorful; thanks for reading:)
Thank you for sharing this Rashmi! So much colour, so much joy! You know I’m loving the Mallige Moggu:) very well written and as always wonderful pictures:)
Thanks Divya!
It is a feast of colors for my eyes! Great captures!
Thanks Indrani! Have you been there?
Truly colorful Rashmi.. Great Photos of the Market!
Thank you Sir!
Lovely photo essay!!
Thanks a lot!
Namma Mysore and I loved the jasmine buds( moggina jade)! Mysore is indeed the heritage city of karnataka:)
Thank you so much, appreciate you stopping by! You are a Kannadiga?
Yes Rashmi, I handle the blog brundaoperan.wordpress.com…Namaskaragalu:)
Gothaithu Brunda:) Looking at brundaoperan.wordpress.com now! Vandanegalu:)
Thanks Rashmi:) Namma Mysore na Namma Mysore andrene manasige shanti:)
Adu nija Brunda:) So glad you stopped by and we ‘met’:)
Exactly:) Thumba Khushi aaythu:)
The market looks so lively and colorful! Great post, Rashmi.
Thank you Arun!
Beautiful…India is on my list to visit!
Thanks Sherryl; you should visit India:) That will be exciting for sure!
Mam u took us to a virtual trip to this wonderful market of Mysuru…We were in Bengaluru from 2006 to 2010…and touring this market was a special memory..your lively writeup and snaps..truly relived those fond memories.. : )
Thank you so much Indranil; am glad you liked the post:)
Reading your blog splashed colours in my mind just the way Devaraja Market did during my first visit there. Very nice post. Mysore is indeed a lovely city. 🙂
Thanks Chaithra!
When I visited Mysore few years back, I didn’t knew about Devraja market. But in last one year I seen it in couple of travel shows and now your blog, now it is my list to visit places 🙂
Hope you visit soon:)