Chandmari: The Cultural Heartbeat of Guwahati

• Helloनमस्कार
  [Namaskar]
• Goodbyeअलविदा
  [Alvida]
• Yesहाँ
  [Haan]
• Noनहीं
  [Nahi]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया/आपका स्वागत है
  [Kripya/Aapka swagat hai]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [Dhanyavaad]
• Excuse me/Sorryक्षमा करें/माफ़ कीजिए
  [Kshama karein/Maaf kijiye]
• How are you?आप कैसे हैं?
  [Aap kaise hain?]
• Fine. And you?ठीक हूँ। आप?
  [Theek hoon. Aap?]
• Do you speak English?क्या आप अंग्रेज़ी बोलते हैं?
  [Kya aap angrezi bolte hain?]
• I don't understandमुझे समझ में नहीं आया
  [Mujhe samajh mein nahi aaya]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेन्यू दिखाएं
  [Kripya menu dikhayein]
• I don't eat meatमैं मांस नहीं खाता/खाती
  [Main maans nahi khaata/khaati]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [Cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया मैं भुगतान करना चाहूँ
  [Kripya main bhugtan karna chaahoon]

• Help!मदद!
  [Madad!]
• Go away!चले जाओ!
  [Chale jao!]
• Call the Police!पुलिस को बुलाओ!
  [Police ko bulaao!]
• Call a doctor!डॉक्टर को बुलाओ!
  [Doctor ko bulaao!]
• I'm lostमैं खो गया/गई हूँ
  [Main kho gaya/gayi hoon]
• I'm illमुझे बीमारी हो रही है
  [Mujhe bimaari ho rahi hai]

• I'd like to buy...मुझे खरीदना है...
  [Mujhe khareedna hai...]
• I'm just lookingमैं बस देख रहा/रही हूँ
  [Main bas dekh raha/rahi hoon]
• How much is it?यह कितने का है?
  [Yeh kitne ka hai?]
• That's too expensiveयह बहुत महंगा है
  [Yeh bahut mehnga hai]
• Can you lower the price?क्या आप कीमत कम कर सकते हैं?
  [Kya aap keemat kam kar sakte hain?]

• What time is it?अभी कितने बजे हैं?
  [Abhi kitne baje hain?]
• It's one o'clockएक बजे हैं
  [Ek baje hain]
• Half past (10)दस बजे तय हुए
  [Das baje tay hue]
• Morningसुबह
  [Subah]
• Afternoonदोपहर
  [Dopahar]
• Eveningशाम
  [Shaam]
• Yesterdayकल
  [Kal]
• Todayआज
  [Aaj]
• Tomorrowकल
  [Kal]
• 1एक
  [Ek]
• 2दो
  [Do]
• 3तीन
  [Teen]
• 4चार
  [Char]
• 5पाँच
  [Paanch]
• 6छह
  [Chhah]
• 7सात
  [Saath]
• 8आठ
  [Aath]
• 9नौ
  [Nau]
• 10दस
  [Das]

• Where's a/the...?कहाँ है...
  [Kahaan hai...]
• What's the address?पता क्या है?
  [Pata kya hai?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?क्या आप मुझे दिखा सकते हैं (नक्शे पर)?
  [Kya aap mujhe dikhha sakte hain (naksha par)?]
• When's the next (bus)?अगली (बस) कब है?
  [Agli (bus) kab hai?]
• A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (को ...)
  [Ek ticket (ko ...)]

Chandmari is a prominent neighbourhood in Guwahati, known for its strategic location near the Brahmaputra River. Over the centuries, it has served as a crucial hub for trade and commerce, linking various regions of Assam and acting as a gateway to northeastern India. The neighbourhood's history is intertwined with the broader historical narratives of Guwahati, which has been a significant urban center since ancient times.

Chandmari reflects the rich cultural tapestry of Guwahati, showcasing a blend of Assamese, Bodo, and other ethnic influences. The area is known for its vibrant community life, traditional festivals, and local cuisines that highlight the diverse heritage of Assam. Celebrations such as Bihu and Durga Puja see enthusiastic participation from residents, fostering a sense of unity and cultural pride.

In recent decades, Chandmari has developed into an educational hub, home to several prominent institutions. This transformation has attracted students from various parts of the region, contributing to the neighbourhood's youthful energy and vibrancy. The presence of educational institutions has played a significant role in shaping the socio-economic landscape of the area.

Chandmari features a mix of modern and traditional architecture, reflecting the evolution of Guwahati over time. Notable structures include local temples that exhibit traditional Assamese architectural styles and modern residential complexes. This architectural diversity tells the story of the neighbourhood's growth and adaptation to changing times.

As Guwahati has expanded, Chandmari has faced environmental challenges such as flooding and urban congestion. Efforts to improve infrastructure and manage urban development continue to shape the neighbourhood's future. Local initiatives aimed at enhancing green spaces and sustainable practices are increasingly prominent, highlighting the community's commitment to balancing growth with environmental stewardship.

Chandmari is well-connected to other neighborhoods in Guwahati. From the city center (Paltan Bazaar), you can take a local bus or auto-rickshaw, which typically costs between ₹15 to ₹30. Taxis are also available, with fares starting at around ₹100. If you're coming from Guwahati Airport, you can hire a taxi or use app-based services like Ola or Uber, with a journey time of approximately 45 minutes.

Chandmari is a walkable neighborhood, making it easy to explore on foot. Local buses and auto-rickshaws are readily available for longer distances. Bicycles can be rented from local shops, though be cautious of traffic. For a more personalized experience, consider hiring a local taxi for half-day or full-day tours.

Chandmari is generally safe for tourists, but it is wise to take standard precautions. Areas near the railway station can be busy and chaotic; keep an eye on your belongings. Avoid walking alone late at night, especially in less crowded streets. While violent crime is rare, petty theft can occur, so remain vigilant in crowded places.

In case of emergency, dial 100 for police and 102 for ambulance services. Familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest hospitals, such as the Guwahati Medical College and Hospital. Always carry a copy of your identification and emergency contacts. Travel insurance is highly recommended to cover medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting temples. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, such as removing shoes before entering a temple. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with 'Namaste' and a slight bow. Eating & Drinking: Do try local Assamese cuisine, and don't refuse hospitality offered by locals, as it's considered impolite.

To experience Chandmari like a local, visit the nearby markets for fresh produce and handicrafts. Engage in conversations with shopkeepers; they often share stories about the area. Try to attend local festivals or events, which can provide insight into Assamese culture. Visit the nearby Brahmaputra Riverfront for a scenic walk and enjoy sunset views.