Small yet sustainable, little shops and establishments that mushroom around temples in India are one of the most lively markets you can ever find. They are a melange of energy, color and life.  Bustling with hectic activity and teeming with people, they showcase the many flavors of our diversity, culture and traditions.

Here are some random captures:

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From flowers to footwear, jewelry to jackets you can shop for just about anything here.  The items of worship are the essentials you will always find.

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Items of worship including incense sticks, coconuts, vermilion, lamps and fruits taken as offerings inside temples.
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There is a tradition to offer even salt and whole pepper in some temples

Flowers are of course the soul of these markets.

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Ghee aka clarified butter candles also sold alongside flowers

Native handicrafts and some traditional wares are hot favorites too.

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Traditional toys and moulds

Trinkets, junk jewelry and knick-knacks

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Something to lure the kids with after having lugged them along the seemingly never-ending, circuitous queues to the insides of the templeDSC09263

Refreshments and food can never be far behind

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Lemonade and jaljeera, anyone!?!
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Local fruits and condiments

All in all, something for everyone!!!

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You can even get your name engraved on a grain of rice, a paid service!

To read more about local and flower markets, read my posts here and here.

25 thoughts on “Temple markets: a kaleidoscope of zeal, vibrancy and effervescence”
  1. The explosion of colour & the aroma of fresh flowers is a treat to the soul! Thank you for this photo essay Rashmi! You’ve captured the essence perfectly:)
    This brought back some fond memories from Sringeri. There’s an uppinkai & sandige angadi outside the temple complex, hidden amid other shops and it’s owner makes the best Midi Mavinkayi Pickle! We brought back plenty with us:)

    1. Oh houda; I hope to check it out sometime. But yes, a lot of the stuff you get in these markets is tough to find anywhere else.
      Thanks Divya, glad you liked the post:)

  2. Your very colorful display of merchandise gave me a very good impression of what it is like to visit an Indian market place. I was a bit surprised to read that you can get your name engraved on a grain of rice. Wow!

  3. I am a big fan of markets at any place and the ones outside temples have a distinct flavour. They are great spots for people watching too! 🙂 You and me share a love for markets 🙂

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