Discover the Vibrant Heart of Guwahati: Paltan Bazaar

• Helloनमस्ते
  [namaste]
• Goodbyeअलविदा
  [alvida]
• Yesहाँ
  [haan]
• Noनहीं
  [nahin]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया
  [krupaya]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [dhanyavaad]
• Excuse me/Sorryमाफ़ कीजिये
  [maaf keejiye]
• 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 understandमैं समझ नहीं पाया
  [main samajh nahin paya]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेनू देखना चाहूँ
  [krupaya menu dekhna chahoon]
• I don't eat meatमैं मांस नहीं खाता
  [main maans nahin khata]
• Cheers!जय हो!
  [jay ho!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया मैं भुगतान करना चाहूँ
  [krupaya main bhugtan karna chahoon]

• Help!बचाओ!
  [bachao!]
• 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 हूँ
  [main kho gaya hoon]
• I'm illमुझे बीमारी है
  [mujhe bimari hai]

• I'd like to buy...मैं ... खरीदना चाहूँ
  [main ... khareedna chahoon]
• I'm just lookingमैं बस देख रहा हूँ
  [main bas dekh raha hoon]
• How much is it?यह कितने का है?
  [yah kitne ka hai?]
• That's too expensiveयह बहुत महंगा है
  [yah bahut mahnga hai]
• Can you lower the price?क्या आप कीमत कम कर सकते हैं?
  [kya aap keemat kam kar sakte hain?]

• What time is it?अब कितने बजे हैं?
  [ab kitne baje hain?]
• It's one o'clockएक बजे हैं
  [ek baje hain]
• Half past (10)दस बजे के बाद आधे
  [das baje ke baad aadhe]
• Morningसुबह
  [subah]
• Afternoonदोपहर
  [dopahar]
• Eveningशाम
  [shaam]
• Yesterdayकल
  [kal]
• Todayआज
  [aaj]
• Tomorrowकल
  [kal]
• 1एक
  [ek]
• 2दो
  [do]
• 3तीन
  [teen]
• 4चार
  [chaar]
• 5पांच
  [paanch]
• 6छे
  [chhe]
• 7सात
  [saat]
• 8आठ
  [aath]
• 9नौ
  [nau]
• 10दस
  [das]

• Where's a/the...?कहाँ है ...?
  [kahan 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 dikha sakte hain (naksha par)?]
• When's the next (bus)?अगली (बस) कब है?
  [agli (bas) kab hai?]
• A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (... के लिए)
  [ek ticket (... ke liye)]

Paltan Bazaar has long been recognized as a significant trade hub in Guwahati, serving as a vital link for commerce in the region. Established during the British colonial period in the 19th century, the bazaar became a bustling marketplace for traders, merchants, and local artisans. It attracted people from various backgrounds, contributing to the area's rich cultural tapestry.

The marketplace has evolved into a cultural melting pot, reflecting the diverse ethnic communities of Assam, including the Assamese, Bodos, and various migrant groups. This diversity is evident in the local cuisine, crafts, and festivals celebrated in Paltan Bazaar, showcasing the vibrant traditions that have flourished over the years.

During the Assam Movement of the 1980s, Paltan Bazaar was a focal point for political gatherings and protests. The movement aimed to address issues of illegal immigration and the rights of indigenous people, leading to heightened political consciousness in the region. The bazaar served as a venue for discussions and mobilization, marking a significant period in Assamese history.

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Paltan Bazaar witnessed significant urban development. The expansion of infrastructure and improvement in connectivity transformed the area into a commercial center. Despite modernization, efforts have been made to preserve the cultural heritage and traditional crafts that define the neighborhood, ensuring that it remains a vibrant part of Guwahati's identity.

Paltan Bazaar plays a crucial role during major Assamese festivals, particularly Bihu and Durga Puja. The bazaar becomes a hub for festive shopping, where locals purchase traditional attire, handicrafts, and food items. This seasonal influx of activity reinforces the community's cultural identity and strengthens social bonds among residents.

Paltan Bazaar is centrally located in Guwahati, easily accessible from various neighborhoods. From Guwahati Railway Station, it's a quick 10-minute auto-rickshaw ride or a 20-minute walk. If you're coming from the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, you can take a taxi or book a ride through local ride-hailing apps. The distance is approximately 25 kilometers, and the journey usually takes around 40 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.

Paltan Bazaar is a bustling area best explored on foot due to its narrow streets and crowded markets. Auto-rickshaws are readily available for short trips, while cycle rickshaws can offer a unique local experience. Local buses operate throughout the area, connecting Paltan Bazaar with other parts of the city. If you prefer cycling, you can rent a bicycle from nearby vendors.

Paltan Bazaar is generally safe for tourists, but like any busy market area, you should remain vigilant. Petty theft and pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas. Avoid displaying valuable items and be cautious when withdrawing cash from ATMs. It’s advisable to avoid the outskirts of Paltan Bazaar after dark, as they can be less populated and may pose safety risks.

In case of an emergency, dial 100 for police assistance or 108 for an ambulance. The nearest hospital is the Guwahati Medical College and Hospital, which is around 3 kilometers away. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Keep a list of important contacts, including your country's embassy, for quick access.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting temples or local homes. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and practices, such as removing shoes before entering a temple. Public Transport: Do give up your seat for elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a simple 'Namaste'. Avoid excessive physical contact. Eating & Drinking: Do try local street food, but ensure it's from reputable vendors. Don’t drink tap water; always opt for bottled water.

To experience Paltan Bazaar like a local, visit the vibrant markets early in the morning when they are less crowded. Sample local delicacies like 'pitha' (rice cakes) and 'jolpan' (snacks). Engage with local shopkeepers; many are friendly and willing to share stories about their products. For a cultural experience, visit the nearby Umananda Temple on Peacock Island, which offers a scenic view of the Brahmaputra River.