Fancy Bazaar: The Heartbeat of Guwahati's Commerce and Culture

• Helloনমস্কাৰ
  [nomoskar]
• Goodbyeবিদায়
  [bidai]
• Yesহয়
  [hoi]
• Noনহয়
  [nohoi]
• Please/You're welcomeঅনুগ্ৰহ কৰি/স্বাগতম
  [onugroho kori/swagotom]
• Thank youধন্যবাদ
  [dhonyobad]
• Excuse me/Sorryক্ষমা কৰক/দুঃখিত
  [kshoma korok/dukhit]
• How are you?আপুনি কেনে আছে?
  [apuni kene asse?]
• Fine. And you?ভাল আছো। আপুনি?
  [bhal aso. apuni?]
• Do you speak English?আপুনি ইংৰাজী কথা বলা পাৰে?
  [apuni ingraji kotha bola pare?]
• I don't understandমোক বুজিব পাৰোঁ নাই
  [mok bujibo parou nai]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseঅনুগ্ৰহ কৰি মেনু চাব বিচাৰক
  [onugroho kori menu chab bicharok]
• I don't eat meatমোক মাংস খাইব নোৱাল
  [mok mans khai b nohwal]
• Cheers!উত্তেজনা!
  [uttejona]
• I would like to pay, pleaseঅনুগ্ৰহ কৰি মোক ভূগতান কৰাটো চাব বিচাৰক
  [onugroho kori mok bhugotan korato chab bicharok]

• Help!সাহায্য কৰক!
  [sahayyo korok]
• Go away!হেজে যাওঁ!
  [heje jao]
• Call the Police!পোলিচ বুলাওঁ!
  [polich bulao]
• Call a doctor!ডাক্তাৰ বুলাওঁ!
  [daktar bulao]
• I'm lostমই হাৰিছো
  [moi haricho]
• I'm illমই অসুস্থ
  [moi osustho]

• I'd like to buy...মোক ... কিনিব বিচাৰক
  [mok ... kinibo bicharok]
• I'm just lookingমই কেৱল চাবিছো
  [moi kebol chabicho]
• How much is it?ইটি মূল্য কিয় এতি?
  [eti mulyo kiyo eti?]
• That's too expensiveইটি খুবই মহঙ মূল্যবান
  [eti khuboi mohon mulyoban]
• Can you lower the price?মূল্যত কম কৰিব পাৰে?
  [mulyot kom korib pare?]

• What time is it?কটোৱা সময় হৈছে?
  [kotowa somoy hoise?]
• It's one o'clockএটা একটা ঘণ্টা
  [eta ekta ghonta]
• Half past (10)১০টাক অবধি
  [10tak obodhi]
• Morningসোঁধি
  [sohodi]
• Afternoonমধ্যাহ্ন
  [mohdhyan]
• Eveningসন্ধ্যা
  [sondhya]
• Yesterdayকাল
  [kal]
• Todayআজি
  [azi]
• Tomorrowভবিষ্যত
  [bhobishyot]
• 1এক
  [ek]
• 2দুই
  [dui]
• 3তিনি
  [tini]
• 4চাৰি
  [chari]
• 5পাঞ্চ
  [panch]
• 6ছয়
  [choy]
• 7সাত
  [sat]
• 8আঠ
  [ath]
• 9নয়
  [noy]
• 10দহ
  [doh]

• Where's a/the...?এটা/এই ... কটাত আছে?
  [eta/ei ... kotat asse?]
• What's the address?ঠিকনামা কি?
  [thiknama ki?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?মইক দেখুৱাব পাৰে?
  [moik dekhuwab pare?]
• When's the next (bus)?পৰাৰ গাড়ী কেনে আপত আছে?
  [porar gadi kene apot asse?]
• A ticket (to ....)টিকেট (....লৈ)
  [ticket (....loi)]

Fancy Bazaar, one of the oldest and most bustling markets in Guwahati, has a rich historical background that reflects the cultural tapestry of the region. Established during the British colonial period, it has served as a vital commercial hub for the local population and traders from neighboring states, facilitating trade in various goods, including textiles, spices, and handicrafts.

The area now known as Fancy Bazaar was significantly influenced by the Ahom Dynasty, which ruled Assam from the 13th to the 19th centuries. The Ahoms contributed to the economic and cultural development of the region, and the bustling market of Fancy Bazaar became a center for the exchange of local produce and goods, reflecting the vibrant trade practices of the time.

Fancy Bazaar is not just a market; it's a cultural melting pot where diverse communities converge. The market represents the Assamese spirit, hosting traditional festivals and events, showcasing local artisans, and providing a platform for traditional music and dance forms. This cultural vibrancy is a testament to Guwahati’s role as a cultural hub of Assam.

After India gained independence in 1947, Fancy Bazaar underwent significant transformations. The market expanded, reflecting the growing economy of Assam and the influx of migrants seeking opportunities. It became a pivotal point for the local economy, adapting to changing consumer needs while retaining its traditional charm.

Today, Fancy Bazaar is a dynamic neighborhood that balances modern retail with traditional Assamese culture. The market continues to thrive, drawing both locals and tourists who come to experience its vibrant atmosphere, shop for unique handicrafts, and savor local delicacies, making it a significant landmark in the historical and cultural landscape of Guwahati.

Fancy Bazaar is well-connected to various neighborhoods in Guwahati. If you are coming from Paltan Bazar, you can take a short walk, as it is approximately 1 kilometer away. If you are traveling from the Guwahati Railway Station, auto-rickshaws and taxis are readily available, taking about 10-15 minutes. For those coming from the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, you can hire a taxi or use ride-sharing apps, with the journey taking around 30-40 minutes.

Fancy Bazaar is a bustling area that is best explored on foot to truly soak in the local atmosphere, especially in the markets. Auto-rickshaws are a convenient option for longer distances within the area. Public buses also operate, connecting you to nearby neighborhoods. For a unique experience, consider renting a bicycle, which is an eco-friendly way to navigate the streets.

Fancy Bazaar is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid wandering into less crowded streets at night. Areas around the main market can get crowded, so keep an eye on your belongings. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, petty theft such as pickpocketing can occur, especially in busy markets.

In case of an emergency, dial 100 for police assistance or 108 for medical emergencies. There are local hospitals in Guwahati, and it is advisable to have travel insurance covering medical issues. For minor ailments, pharmacies are available in the area. Always carry a note or a card with emergency contact numbers written in English.

Fashion: Do wear modest clothing, particularly in religious sites. Don't wear revealing attire. Religion: Do respect local customs; cover your head when entering temples. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to the elderly; don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a handshake; don't be overly familiar with physical contact. Eating & Drinking: Do try local street food; don't refuse food offered to you, as it is seen as disrespectful.

To experience Fancy Bazaar like a local, visit the numerous street food stalls and sample local delicacies such as pitha and jalebi. Engage with shopkeepers in the markets, as they often enjoy sharing stories about their products. Additionally, visit the nearby Umananda Temple on Peacock Island for a serene escape from the bustling market atmosphere. Consider visiting during the morning hours for a less crowded experience.