The Bustling Heart of Shillong: Police Bazar

• Helloनमस्कार
  [Namaskar]
• Goodbyeअलविदा
  [Alvida]
• Yesहाँ
  [Haan]
• Noनहीं
  [Nahi]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया
  [Kripaya]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [Dhanyavad]
• Excuse me/Sorryमाफ़ कीजिए
  [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 दिखाइए
  [Kripaya menu dikhaiye]
• 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
  [Kripaya main bhugtan karna chaahoon]

• Help!बचाओ!
  [Bachao!]
• Go away!चले जाओ!
  [Chale jao!]
• Call the Police!पुलिस को बुलाओ!
  [Police ko bulao!]
• Call a doctor!डॉक्टर को बुलाओ!
  [Doctor ko bulao!]
• I'm lostमैं खो गया/गई हूँ
  [Main kho gaya/gayi hoon]
• I'm illमुझे बीमारी है
  [Mujhe bimari hai]

• I'd like to buy...मैं खरीदना चाहूँगा/चाहूँगी...
  [Main khareedna chahunga/chahungi...]
• 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?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]
• 5पांच
  [Paanch]
• 6छह
  [Chhah]
• 7सात
  [Saath]
• 8आठ
  [Aath]
• 9नौ
  [Nau]
• 10दस
  [Das]

• Where's a/the...?एक/यहाँ... कहाँ है?
  [Ek/yahaan... 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 dikhya sakte hain (nakshye 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...)]

Police Bazar, originally a bustling marketplace, traces its roots back to the British colonial period in the late 19th century. Established as a commercial hub, it served as a central point for trade and communication in Shillong. The bazar became a vital link between the Khasi Hills and the rest of India, facilitating the exchange of goods and cultural interactions.

The early 20th century saw Police Bazar evolve into a cultural melting pot. It attracted merchants from various communities, including the Khasi, Jaintia, and Nepali peoples. This diverse demographic contributed to a vibrant marketplace filled with local crafts, textiles, and traditional Khasi cuisine. The area became known not just for commerce but also as a social gathering place, where different cultures intersected.

Following India's independence in 1947, Police Bazar underwent significant changes. The market expanded, with local businesses flourishing alongside increasing tourism. The area became a focal point for visitors to Shillong, offering a blend of modern amenities and traditional Khasi culture, reflected in the architecture and local crafts sold in the market.

The late 20th century brought about rapid urbanization in Shillong, with Police Bazar at the forefront of this transformation. The development of infrastructure, including improved roads and public transportation, made the area more accessible. As a result, Police Bazar became a bustling center for commerce, attracting not only locals but also tourists from across India and beyond.

Today, Police Bazar stands as a testament to Shillong's historical and cultural evolution. It retains its status as a commercial hub while also showcasing the rich heritage of the Khasi community. The area is known for its vibrant markets, where visitors can find local handicrafts, traditional clothing, and an array of cuisine that reflects the region's diverse influences. Police Bazar continues to play a vital role in the cultural identity of Shillong.

Police Bazar is centrally located in Shillong and is easily accessible from various neighborhoods. From the Shillong Airport, you can take a taxi or book a ride-share service to reach Police Bazar, which is approximately 30 kilometers away. If you're coming from the Shillong Bus Stand, Police Bazar is just a short walk (around 1 kilometer) away. Local taxis and auto-rickshaws are also available for hire.

Police Bazar is a pedestrian-friendly area with many shops and attractions within walking distance. Local taxis and auto-rickshaws can be used for longer distances or if you're carrying heavy shopping. Public buses operate throughout Shillong and can be utilized to reach Police Bazar from other neighborhoods. Bicycles can be rented, although be cautious of the hilly terrain.

Police Bazar is generally safe for tourists, but standard travel precautions should be observed. Stay alert in crowded places, and keep your belongings secure. Avoid the outskirts of Police Bazar at night, as some areas may have higher crime rates. Always be cautious with your valuables, and if possible, avoid displaying expensive items.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police assistance or 108 for medical emergencies. There are hospitals and clinics nearby, including the NEIGRIHMS and Civil Hospital. It is advisable to have travel insurance covering medical emergencies. For minor issues, local pharmacies are available to provide over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable and modest clothing suitable for the weather. Don't wear overly revealing outfits, especially when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Don't disturb ongoing religious practices. Public Transport: Do be polite and offer your seat to those in need. Don't eat or drink in public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a smile, and use 'Khublei' to say hello. Eating & Drinking: Do try the local cuisine at street vendors and restaurants. Don't waste food, as it is considered disrespectful.

To experience Police Bazar like a local, visit early in the morning when the market is bustling with vendors selling fresh produce and local handicrafts. Engage with shopkeepers, as they are often eager to share insights about their products. Don't miss the local street food; try the 'pork momo' or 'jadoh' for an authentic culinary experience. Additionally, explore the nearby local markets for unique souvenirs and handmade items.