Sabji Mandi is an emotion. I associate it with good times. Etched in my mind forever are vivid memories of me and my papa going out for morning walks, collecting a long list of vegetables as ordered by my mommy. I remember papa, sincerely examining vegetables, occasionally smelling them to get the best of the lot. It felt good to see people around also doing the same thing, picking up the best vegetables and better smelling fruits. So much of activity, so much of liveliness in the Sabji Mandi intrigued me as a child. I liked the citrusy smelling green limes, the crisp greens, the peculiar smell of green chillies.
Shopping at a Sabji Mandi – A Beloved Ritual
Indian Farmers’ Market or “Sabji Mandi”, as it is commonly called in Hindi, is still prevalent in many parts of the country. Brought up in a middle-class family, shopping at a Mandi is something that is close to my heart. Even today, the idea of buying vegetables from a Sabji Mandi excites me. On a recent visit home, I decided to go for the ritualistic walk followed by shopping at my papa’s favorite Sabji Mandi.
Fresher, Greener, Better
The beauty of fresh vegetables never fails to lure me. The idea of having a colorful platter makes my mouth water. There is this thing about Sabji Mandi, people never return empty handed. They always go back with bags full. Vegetables here are fresher and the prices are far lesser as compared to supermarkets. There is so much of variety around. You get everything here, from lotus roots to plantain piths.
Social Life at a Sabji Mandi
It is not hard to notice that there exists some kind of chemistry between the vendors and the customers. Some vendors can be seen sharing a recipe or two with the customers. Some can be seen discussing current market situation or even politics. Many vendors have loyal customers too! I remember my papa had few vendors of choice. There used to be an old man, around the corner, selling fruits and flowers for daily Puja or worship as an offering to our deity. He was my papa’s favorite.
The Story of Cauliflower with Worms
I haven’t seen a better inspector of vegetables than my papa. However, the pious cauliflower has always been a bone-of-contention for my parents. As a child, I always wondered why would they fight over a cauliflower with so many other pressing issues at hand??!! My papa would more often than not get cauliflowers that had few green worms. According to his theory of organic vegetables, cauliflowers that have a few worms probably weren’t sprayed with pesticides. My mommy would argue citing the extra work that had to be done to get rid of the worms. I always had been a silent spectator to the fight, keenly gobbling down my cauliflower curry. After all, all’s well that ends well!
Sabji Mandi vs Supermarket – And the Winner is…
The dull supermarket is nothing as compared to the charming Sabji Mandi. Living in a metropolitan city, I often wonder “What has globalization done?” It has driven away the humble Sabji Mandi. It’s a lost battle. The lifeless fruits, preserved since ages, are now on our plates and palates. The dead vegetables, stuffed into the shelves of uptown vegetable marts, do not attract me. I am lovelorn. I yearn for the citrusy smelling green limes, the crisp greens, the peculiar smell of green Mirchi.
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