Though there are several ancient shopping markets in Delhi, only a few of them sell branded goods at affordable rates. Only few of them are really worth your time and money. Sarojini Nagar Market, located towards the South of Delhi, is one of them. It is one of the markets that you just cannot afford to miss while you come to Delhi. There are so many shops here selling branded goods that you can literally shop till you drop.

Sarojini Nagar Market is situated within some of the most posh localities in Delhi like South Extension, Safdargunj Enclave, Chanakyapuri and the like. Therefore most of the residents from these affluent areas come to Sarojini Nagar market for their needs. The place has been named after the great freedom fighter and one who played an active role in the Indian Freedom Movement, Ms. Sarojini Naidu.

The market located towards the south west of Delhi has two faces to it. On one side, there are massive showrooms selling all the latest names in international fashion. On the other side, the market is lined up with street stalls that sell export quality fabrics and garments (both Indian and western) at great prices. It is these street side stalls that contribute towards the cultural flavor of the SN market.

During 29th October, 2005, one of the shops in Sarojini Nagar Market was completely destroyed during the blasts that occurred as an aftermath of Diwali festivities. Though the shop has been rebuilt, SN market shot to international fame because of this incident.

Surrounded by government housing establishments, almost all the shops in Sarojini Nagar market are family owned for many years together. These are the main sections of the market.

• The Babu Market
• Subzi Market
• Central Market
• Mandir wali side.

Things to Shop in Sarojini Market

Getting a Branded Tag

If you want to shop from the best of stores housing all international brands, you must first start from the city centre, Connaught Place or CP, as it is already known. This place houses multiple brands under the same roof; therefore, it suits people with different tastes and preferences. If you are looking for different styles of clothes (Indian & Western), you must visit South Extension, located at about 20min from Connaught Place.  You must shop for clothes and shoes here. At five minutes from here, you can find Ansals Plaza, a new and modern shopping complex with all the latest technologies and amenities. There is ample parking space here. Though clothes are the major attractions of this area, you must also try out different varieties of watches, shoes, handicraft items and the like. There are many restaurants here where you can treat yourselves to some awesome delicacies and rejuvenate yourself after a tired day of shopping.

For Ethnic Shopping Ideas

You must visit Old Delhi, if you want to get a feel of the local culture and old world charm of Delhi. The ancient markets of Chandni Chowk still have ancient buildings that bring out the rich Mughal architecture style. Many parts of Old Delhi still show glimpses of the rich Mughal culture even today. The wholesale markets here are great treats for shopaholics. If you are want to buy antique gold and exquisite silver jewellery, you can visit Dariba Kalan. This market, also known as “street of incomparable pearl”, has been in existence right from the times of the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan. As you come out of Dariba Kalan, you will find an area filled with aroma of attar (a combination of oils and herbs), a royal fragrance that was used by Mughal rulers during the earlier days.  Kinari Bazaar is another area, where you can buy some exquisite clothes decorated in beautiful embroidery works of gold and silver. In all of these local streets of Delhi, one of the most evident features is the brilliance of the Delhi craft. Women are equally talented as men in these wood carvings.

For Vegetable Shopping

If you are looking for some exotic and rich species of fruits and vegetables at affordable rates, you can visit the Subzi Mundi in Sarojini Nagar Market. Varieties that are priced at exorbitant rates at retail shopping malls are available in these markets at reasonable rates and they look quite fresh here.

Bargaining in Sarojini Market

All the international brand of clothes and fabrics available here are rejected during export, either because of surplus quantity or due to very small manufacturing defects. Therefore if you bargain properly, you can get original brands of clothes like banana republic, Mango, FCUK, J-Crew and the like at highly reasonable prices - a rate that you would not even have thought of in your dreams. However, all this depends on your negotiating and bargaining skills. Apart from normal Indian and western wear, you can get all kinds of fashion accessories here like shoes, belts, earrings, rings, etc. You will be surprised to note that you can even get full length chiffon gowns here at affordable rates.

Almost all the shops in the Sarojini Nagar market area are owned by families for generations together. The older members of the family started off business many centuries ago with daily use products and garment, whereas the youngsters who have taken over the family business have brought about many advancements in these stores. Though the market doesn’t look very cheap from the outside, your negotiating skills can do wonders for you.  One of the best tips to shop easily in the markets of Delhi is to come here during the week days. Weekends are quite crowded and you might not find it easy to shop around the market during these times.

All the vendors along the streets of Sarojini Nagar Market keep shouting in loud voices to attract customers to buy their goods. You should not get attracted by these noises; you should only focus on what you need to buy and your bargaining skills. Look for the shops that sell goods rejected during export, as these are the places where you could find exciting goods at affordable rates.

Market Timing

The markets along Sarojini Nagar market are open during all days through the week except Mondays. The timings of the market are from 10AM to 9PM for the benefit of hundreds of Indian and international tourists who come here every day.

How to Reach

Some of the famous areas like Dilli Haat, Safdargunj Enclave and Chankyapuri are located quite close to Sarojini Nagar market. Buses and auto rickshaws are available in plenty to reach Sarojini Nagar market. If you want to travel by metro station, Central Secretariat station is the nearest station where you need to get down reaching the market, as it is located at just about 15min from the station.