Uzan Bazaar: The Heartbeat of Guwahati

• Helloनमस्ते
  [Namaste]
• Goodbyeअलविदा
  [Alvida]
• Yesहाँ
  [Haan]
• Noनहीं
  [Nahi]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया
  [Kripya]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [Dhanyavaad]
• Excuse me/Sorryमाफ़ कीजिए
  [Maaf kijiye]
• How are you?आप कैसे हैं?
  [Aap kaise hain?]
• Fine. And you?ठीक हूँ। और आप?
  [Theek hoon. Aur 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
  [Main maans nahi khaata]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [Cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया भुगतान करना है
  [Kripya bhugtan karna hai]

• 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 हूँ / गई हूँ
  [Main kho gaya hoon / gayi hoon]
• I'm illमुझे बीमारी है
  [Mujhe bimaari hai]

• I'd like to buy...मैं ... खरीदना चाहूँगा/चाहूँगी
  [Main ... khareedna chaahunga/chaahungi]
• 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 kimat 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 तक
  [Das baje tak]
• 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?
  [... 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 (bus) kab hai?]
• A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (.... के लिए)
  [Ek ticket (.... ke liye)]

Uzan Bazaar, one of the oldest markets in Guwahati, has its roots deeply embedded in the cultural and historical landscape of Assam. Established during the Ahom dynasty in the 17th century, it served as a vital trade hub connecting local merchants with traders from neighboring regions. The marketplace flourished as a center for the exchange of goods, including textiles, spices, and handicrafts, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of the area.

The Ahom dynasty's reign from the 13th to the 19th centuries significantly influenced Uzan Bazaar's development. The dynasty fostered trade relations with neighboring kingdoms and established commerce routes that enhanced the market's prominence. Uzan Bazaar became a melting pot of diverse cultures, attracting merchants and artisans from across the region, which contributed to the socio-economic fabric of Guwahati.

During the British colonial period in the 19th century, Uzan Bazaar experienced a transformation as the British implemented new trade policies. The establishment of railways improved connectivity, allowing for the swift movement of goods. This shift led to increased commercial activity in the bazaar, introducing new products and altering traditional trading practices. The colonial era also saw the rise of various communities, further enriching the cultural diversity of Uzan Bazaar.

Uzan Bazaar is not only a commercial center but also a cultural hub. The market plays a pivotal role in hosting various festivals, such as Bihu and Durga Puja, which showcase the vibrant traditions of Assam. Local artisans and craftsmen display their work, and the bazaar becomes a lively venue for cultural exchange, bringing together people from different backgrounds to celebrate Assam's rich heritage.

In recent years, Uzan Bazaar has undergone modernization, with the advent of new businesses and infrastructure developments. However, this evolution comes with challenges, including the preservation of its historical essence amid rapid urbanization. Efforts are being made by local communities and government bodies to maintain the cultural significance of Uzan Bazaar while adapting to contemporary economic demands. This delicate balance reflects the ongoing narrative of Guwahati as a city that embraces both its history and modernity.

Uzan Bazaar is conveniently located in the heart of Guwahati. It is easily accessible from the Guwahati Airport, which is about 25 kilometers away. You can take a taxi or use ride-sharing apps to reach Uzan Bazaar. From the city’s railway station, it is approximately 3 kilometers away, and local auto-rickshaws or taxis can take you there in about 10 minutes. Buses also connect different neighborhoods in Guwahati to Uzan Bazaar, making it a well-linked area.

Uzan Bazaar is a bustling area best explored on foot to truly appreciate its vibrant markets and local life. Public transport options like auto-rickshaws are widely available for short distances. For longer trips, local buses are also an option, although they can be crowded. Bicycle rentals are available, allowing for a more leisurely exploration of the neighborhood and its surroundings.

Uzan Bazaar is generally safe for tourists, but like any urban area, it is wise to take precautions. Petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded places, especially during festivals or market hours. Avoid poorly lit alleys at night and stay vigilant with your belongings. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it’s advisable to remain cautious, especially in secluded spots.

In case of an emergency, dial 100 for police assistance or 102 for ambulance services. The nearest hospitals and clinics are within a short distance. It is advisable to carry a copy of your travel insurance and emergency contact information. Pharmacies are available throughout the Uzan Bazaar area for minor health concerns.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in religious sites and when visiting local homes. Avoid shorts and revealing attire. Religion: Do respect local customs, and it is recommended to remove footwear when entering temples. Public Transport: Do be polite and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with 'Namaste' and a slight bow. Eating & Drinking: Do try local street food and accept food offerings, as refusing may offend. Don't drink tap water; always opt for bottled water.

To experience Uzan Bazaar like a local, visit the daily markets early in the morning for fresh produce and local handicrafts. Engage with shopkeepers, as they often have fascinating stories about the goods they sell. Try local delicacies such as 'pitha' (rice cakes) and 'khar' (a local dish) from street vendors. Don’t miss the nearby riverfront for a scenic walk and to enjoy the sunset over the Brahmaputra River.