Pan Bazaar: The Cultural Heartbeat of Guwahati

• Helloনমস্কাৰ
  [Nomoskar]
• Goodbyeবিদাই
  [Bidai]
• Yesহয়
  [Hoi]
• Noনহয়
  [Nohoi]
• Please/You're welcomeঅনুগ্ৰহ কৰি / স্বাগতম
  [Onugroh kori / Swagotom]
• Thank youধন্যবাদ
  [Dhonyobad]
• Excuse me/Sorryদুঃখিত
  [Dukhit]
• How are you?আপুনি কেমন আছে?
  [Apuni kemon aso?]
• Fine. And you?ভাল আছো। আৰু আপুনি?
  [Bhal asu. Aru apuni?]
• Do you speak English?আপুনি ইংৰাজী কথা প্ৰয়োগ কৰে?
  [Apuni English kotha proyog kore?]
• I don't understandমোক বুজাই নাই
  [Moi bujai nai]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseমেনু দেখিব পাৰিব, অনুগ্ৰহ কৰি
  [Menu dekhib parib, onugroh kori]
• I don't eat meatমই মাংস খাই নহয়
  [Moi mans khai nohoi]
• Cheers!স্বাগতম
  [Swagatam]
• I would like to pay, pleaseমই মোবাইল, অনুগ্ৰহ কৰি
  [Moi mobail, onugroh kori]

• Help!সাহায্য!
  [Sahayyo!]
• Go away!দূৰ চল
  [Dur chol]
• Call the Police!পুলিচ বুলাওঁ
  [Police bulau]
• Call a doctor!ডাক্তাৰ বুলাওঁ
  [Doctor bulau]
• I'm lostমই হাৰিছো
  [Moi haricho]
• I'm illমই অসুস্থ
  [Moi osustho]

• I'd like to buy...মই কিনিব বিচাৰো দিয়া
  [Moi kinib bicharo dia]
• I'm just lookingমই কেৱল চাবিছো
  [Moi kebol chabicho]
• How much is it?ইয়াটা কি মূল্য?
  [Yata ki moolyo?]
• That's too expensiveইয়াটা বহুত মহঙ্গা আছে
  [Yata bohut mohonga aso]
• Can you lower the price?মূল্য কম কৰিব পাৰে?
  [Moolyo kom korib pare?]

• What time is it?এতিয়া কত বাজিছে?
  [Etiya kot bajishe?]
• It's one o'clockএটা এখন একটা বাজিছে
  [Eta ekhon ekta bajishe]
• Half past (10)দাহ পৰ্ণ বাজিছিল
  [Dah parn bajishil]
• Morningসকাল
  [Sokal]
• Afternoonবিকাল
  [Bikal]
• Eveningসাঁঝ
  [Sah]
• Yesterdayকাল
  [Kal]
• Todayআজি
  [Aji]
• Tomorrowকালো
  [Kalo]
• 1এক
  [Ek]
• 2দুই
  [Dui]
• 3তিনি
  [Tini]
• 4চাৰ
  [Char]
• 5পাঁচ
  [Panch]
• 6ছয়
  [Choi]
• 7সাত
  [Sat]
• 8আট
  [At]
• 9নয়
  [Noy]
• 10দহ
  [Doh]

• Where's a/the...?এটা কোথাও আছে?
  [Eta kothawo ashe?]
• What's the address?ঠিকানা কি?
  [Thikana ki?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?মোক দেখাব পাৰিব?
  [Moi dekhab parib?]
• When's the next (bus)?পৰা বাস কেনে যাব?
  [Pora bas kene jab?]
• A ticket (to ....)এটা টিকেট দিয়া
  [Eta ticket dia]

Pan Bazaar has long been a vital commercial center in Guwahati, situated along the banks of the Brahmaputra River. Its strategic location made it a key trading hub for merchants and traders from various regions, including Assam, Bengal, and beyond. The bazaar served as a marketplace for goods such as silk, spices, and traditional handicrafts, playing a significant role in the economic development of the area.

The neighborhood of Pan Bazaar reflects the rich cultural diversity of Guwahati. Throughout history, it has been a meeting point for different ethnic communities, including Assamese, Bodos, and various migrant groups. This amalgamation of cultures has influenced the local cuisine, festivals, and daily life, making Pan Bazaar a vibrant representation of Assam's multifaceted identity.

During the British colonial period, Pan Bazaar saw significant urban development, with the establishment of various institutions and infrastructure. Colonial-era buildings, many of which still stand today, showcase a blend of European architectural styles with local designs. This period marked the introduction of modern banking and educational institutions, further integrating Pan Bazaar into the broader economic framework of Guwahati.

Pan Bazaar has historically been associated with Assam's literary and artistic movements. Many renowned Assamese writers and artists frequented the bazaar, drawing inspiration from its lively atmosphere and the diverse populace. The neighborhood has hosted various cultural events and gatherings, contributing to the flourishing of Assamese literature, music, and arts during the 20th century.

Today, Pan Bazaar continues to thrive as a commercial and cultural center in Guwahati. The bazaar has adapted to contemporary trends, showcasing a mix of traditional and modern businesses. With the rise of e-commerce and changing consumer behavior, Pan Bazaar has also embraced technology, yet it remains a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a glimpse into the historical and cultural fabric of the region.

Pan Bazaar is well-connected to other neighborhoods in Guwahati. If you are arriving from Guwahati Railway Station, you can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw, which takes approximately 15-20 minutes. From Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, taxis are readily available and the journey to Pan Bazaar typically takes around 40 minutes, depending on traffic. Local buses also operate from various parts of the city to Pan Bazaar, making it accessible for budget travelers.

Pan Bazaar is a bustling area best explored on foot. The streets are lively, and walking allows you to fully appreciate the local atmosphere. Auto-rickshaws are available for short distances, while cycle-rickshaws can be hired for a more traditional experience. Local buses connect Pan Bazaar to other parts of Guwahati, and taxi services are also an option for longer travels. Bicycles can be rented from nearby shops for those who prefer a more active way to explore.

Pan Bazaar is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone late at night, especially in dimly lit areas. While violent crime is rare, petty theft can occur, particularly in crowded markets. Be cautious of your belongings and avoid displaying valuables. Areas like the banks of the Brahmaputra River can be less secure at night, so exercise caution.

In case of an emergency, dial 100 for police assistance and 102 for medical emergencies. Local hospitals and clinics are available, with the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital being the largest in the vicinity. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers health emergencies. For minor ailments, local pharmacies are widely available for purchasing over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, particularly in religious sites. Avoid revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially in temples, by removing shoes and not taking photos unless permitted. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to elderly or disabled passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a smile and a polite nod; a handshake may also be appropriate. Eating & Drinking: Do try local street food but ensure it's from a hygienic vendor. Don’t refuse food or drink offered by locals; it is considered impolite.

To experience Pan Bazaar like a local, visit the vibrant markets early in the morning when they are bustling with activity. Sample local delicacies like pitha (rice cakes) and Assamese tea from street vendors. Engage with shopkeepers; many are eager to share stories about their products and the area. Don’t miss the nearby Assam State Museum for a glimpse into the region's rich history. If you're looking for unique souvenirs, explore the handloom and handicraft shops, which offer authentic local goods.