It is often said that the culture and economy of any town is reflected in its markets. While the numerous well-stocked shops in the different parts of Barnala indicate the town’s prosperity, they also tell us something about the tradition and custom of this town. Indeed if we want to understand the ethos of this town, we must take a walk around its numerous markets.
Markets in Barnala
It is to be noted that there are quite a few markets located in different parts of the city. The Purana Bazaar, Sadar Bazaar, Handiya Bazaar and Pharwahi Bazaar are some of the established market areas of the city. However, today the Kachha Collage Road, which is more popularly known as the KC Road, has come out as the top destination for many shoppers. Just as in any city, the shops in these markets sell everything from bare essentials such as furniture, utensils, clothing, bedding, furnishing, shoes, quilts and blankets to luxury goods such as jewelry, high end mobile phones, LCD TVs, home theatres, scooters and cars etc.Some old and established shops in the city
One more point to note is that while new shops are opening up every day, some old and established shops still hold sway hold over the shoppers here. Let us look into some reliable shops in Barnala:- In the textile segments, Kaur Sain Jagan Nath, Krishan Chand Bhagwan Dass, Sansari Lal Vijay Kumar and Shubham Readymade etc are popular choice for many.
- Poonam Boot House, Janak Boot House and CM Piarey Lal Agencies are popular destination for those looking for a new pair of shoes.
- For books one may visit Punjab Book Depot, Bansal book Depot, Navchetan, Mehra Book Depot etc. Among them, Punjab Book Depot specializes in school books while Navchetan has a huge stock of collage books. Navchetan generally remains open until 11:30 PM and hence if anyone needs books at odd hours, that is the shop to go.
- For electronic goods, Goyal Sales, K.K. Electronics and Kamlesh Electronics are some of the more reliable names in Barnala.
Textile in Barnala
At the same time, if you are looking for something that is unique to this region, you are not going to be disappointed either. Like rest of Punjab, Barnala is also rich in handloom products. In fact, one must realize that the town is famous for its textile industry. Textile produced both by power-looms and handlooms are unique in their designs and colors.
Handicrafts in Barnala
Handicrafts such phulkari, baghs, juttis and lacquered wood work etc are also typical of this region. Therefore, visitors to the town must look for such items if they want to take back some mementos with them. Although there is no shopping mall here, shops in different localities sell these items at a reasonable price.Phulkari and Baghs:
Phulkari literarily mean flower work. At one time, the word was used to mean embroidered work. Today however, the term is mainly used in case embroidered dupattas, odinis and shawls. Women of this region still wear phulkari dupattas and odinis on daily basis. However, it is natural that in such cases, the embroidered work is much scattered and the item cost much less.
At the same time, for ceremonial use, one can also find the same items with more concentrated phulkari work. It is natural that they cost more. It must also be noted that when the phulkari work is done on a garment such as a kurti, it is known as bagh. Literally bagh mean garden. Adha Baghs are the ones, which has more scattered work. For more authentic embroideries, shoppers are advised to visit the old market areas.
Juttis in Barnala:
Juttis are also unique to this region. A unique feature of these slip-on shoes is that they take up the shape of the foot and hence they generally do not have any left and right distinction. Ceremonial juttis are heavily embroidered although for day to day use more simple leather juttis are also highly appreciated.Some other handicrafts to look for:
