Ever wondered where Kolkata’s heart truly beats? That’s New Market. Right here at New Market, we find ourselves amidst a historic tapestry. It is a place where time seems to slow. New Market stands as Kolkata’s first municipal market.
Initially, New Market was built in 1874 for British residents. They were quite averse to shopping with the locals. The Calcutta Corporation responded to the British residents’ outcry. They proposed a market exclusively for them.
Richard Roskell Bayne designed this Victorian Gothic complex. He was an architect of the East Indian Railway Company. Mackintosh Burn constructed it. The market officially opened on January 1, 1874. It quickly became a hub for affluent colonials from all over India. They visited exclusive retailers. Names like Ranken and Company, Cuthbertson and Harper, and Thacker Spink became synonymous with New Market’s quality.
Later, in 1903, the market was officially named Sir Stuart Hogg Market. This was to honor Sir Stuart Hogg. He had strongly supported the market’s construction. But the original nickname, New Market, stuck. Bengalis fondly called it Hogg Shaheber Bajaar.
New Market expanded in 1909. A clock tower from Huddersfield was installed in the 1930s. Florists lined the front entrance. Fresh food stalls filled the rear. Exotic animals were even sold until the 1970s.
Today, New Market has over 2000 stalls. It offers everything from clothing to electronics. It even offers unique cheeses. Despite fires and floods, it remains a core shopping destination.
You can find garments and accessories here. There are flowers, food items, and spices. Crockery and utensils are sold too. The florist section boasts exotic blooms. New Market is located on Lindsay Street. It is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Don’t miss Nahoum & Sons. This confectionery shop was established in 1902. It features original mahogany cabinets and marble counters. Try their rich fruit cake. Imperial Confectioners and D Gama are also popular.
Taste local cheeses like Kalimpong Cheese and Bandel Cheese. Kalimpong Cheese comes from North Bengal. Bandel Cheese originated in a Portuguese colony.
Visit Pumposh, a 97-year-old Kashmir Shawl Emporium.
New Market has seen fires. There were fires in 1985, 2011, and 2015.
New Market is more than just a market. It reflects Kolkata’s soul. People from different cultures come together here. It’s a microcosm of the city.
There’s a saying. You can find everything from a needle to an elephant at New Market. It is a treasure trove of unique items.
Buy traditional sarees. Look for cotton kurtas with Chikankari work. Don’t miss the silver jewelry. Shops like Chamba Lama offer beautiful pieces. Talk to Sharon at Chamba Lama. Learn about her family’s history with the market.
New Market is an emotion for Kolkata’s people. Every corner tells a story. Despite its appearance, it embodies the city’s spirit.
Ahead of its 150th anniversary in 2024, the clock tower and facade will be restored. New Market blends the modern and traditional. It is truly the cosmopolitan heart of Kolkata.