Bittan Market in Bhopal: A Legacy Market Meeting All Local Needs!

Almost 6 km from the popular Taj-ul-Masajid in Bhopal lies one of the city's most bustling markets. Crowds linger until the shops close, with constant bargaining over countless products between shopkeepers, hawkers, and endless streams of shoppers. This process unfolds daily and doubles during festive seasons, when the market shines even brighter with a vast array of products.

Such a market in the heritage city, Bhopal, is also heritage on its own. Browsing through the history of the market, we find out that there are very few to zero mentions of its origin. However, some reports do mention that the market might have originated in the 18th century. The locals also define the market as "heritage" which has seen many generations of families living in Bhopal. Even with the few reports, the legacy of the market can be seen through the old and dilapidated houses in the surroundings boasting ancient architecture. 

Reportedly, the history of the market is rooted in the street culture of Bhopal. It is said that the city had a tradition of street markets. Bittan Market also began as a place for selling local produce, eventually turning into a dynamic hub for businesses, traders, and small, local entrepreneurs. Today, the market has become a significant part of Bhopal’s commercial landscape, meeting almost all the needs of local residents.

One roof for all local produce

Bittan market, since the time immemorial, has been offering a wide variety of things to the locals. It is known for its local products and the market houses end number of vegetable vendors selling fruits and vegetables. One of the most important things here is the spices that one might find in almost every second spot. Residents mention that the market is a good deal for them as they get to directly connect to the farmers late at night here! Other than that, the market already has over 250 shops selling vegetables and 50 shops selling fruits.

On the other hand, the market might turn out to be a treasure for all clothing shoppers as it has a variety of clothing items including shirts, kurtas, jackets, bottoms and more. The market also hosts various handloom exhibitions from time to time and shoppers can be seen flocking to the place for clothing needs. One can also find accessories and jewellery that are both antique and modern along with some junk jewellery options to pair with the clothes. 

Moreover, other items like bags, and footwear are here at the display for the people at reasonable and compelling prices. While strolling here, you can also find traditional and handicraft items for decoration purposes. Being one roof for all, this market also offers household items and great deals on crockery, utensils, and other daily needs. Bittan Market also has various gift shops offering personalisation options in the products like mugs, notebooks, T-shirts, and photo frames where you have the option of adding names, dates, and special messages to items. Amongst the modern stuff, one can also find here modern gadgets and accessories. 

A food hub

Along with the shopping experiences, Bittan market is popular as a center for food where you can find various street food stalls. These stalls showcase a variety of flavours while many shops here deal in the fast food items like Chaat, Chole Bhature, Pav Bhaji, Gol gappe and more. You will be amazed to know that this market also hosts a food festival every year that features a variety of cuisines and attracts many visitors. 

With time, the market has also seen various developments and apart from the street food experiences now, Bittan market has also come up with new hanging-out spots, various bakeries and even hookah lounges all around. You can take a glimpse of a lot of college students hanging out and around the area and visiting these places.

Two years ago, the market was declared "plastic-free" and the vendors as well as the shoppers stopped using plastics here, as per the claims. Currently, the market is undergoing various developments, and many branded companies have opened outlets here. One of the main attractions is the Heritage Museum, which features an Egyptian mummy displayed in the central hall on the first floor.

Instead of the old structure currently in the market, the government is planning to set up a new 'green' building, estimated to cost Rs. 100 crore and likely to take three years to complete. While these developments aim to progress with time, only time will tell how local vendors, whose families have grown accustomed to the legacy and charm of this old heritage market, will respond.