Alaknanda grew into a little place in its own right in the late 80s. From a market built by DDA and buildings sold by private parties, the market developed. It was a wonderful little market with shoppers from far off coming to shop there. It had an excellent shoe shop called Lucky shoes which had the best of designs. There was a nice saree shop called Neera’s sarees. There was Bhatia who had the most amazing salwar kurta ensembles. Renu’s had cassettes, audio and video ones. He graduated on to selling imported rip offs from Taiwan, Hong Kong etc. Good set of tailors. The market place was the typical Delhi market place where everyone knew everyone. It was like a family where the shopkeeper and customer cared about each other and their well being. There was a family camaradiere.
Those days are no longer there. The arrival of ATMs and Banks changed all that. Suddenly a lot of shopkeepers upped and sold. So, the nice salwar Kurta shop of Bhatia became a notary shop. The designer ware shops changed hands. Lucky shoes gave off his shops to a Bank and so on. But several others and orginals stay and are doing well. Both Airtel and Voda have their dedicated shop. Renu is still there and now sells garments exclusively. They have a good range. There are two silver shops, one at the entrance and the other inside. Both have decent collections. Shagun Jewellers at the entrance used to sell some fantastic silver jewellery especially the export varieties from Jaipur. I have been a sucker and have bought quite a bit. He used to be someone who is to say, “achhi lagi to le jao, paise badh mein aa jayenge” and yes, the payment was prompt and there was no problem. Renu has sent home sweaters and T-shirts for my Dad when he was unwell and Daddy had loved shopping from home! Nagarik, the shoe shop has a There are some spiffy tailors, the good drycleaner – Mercury, The Mehendiwala, watch repairer, chemist…it is worth spending time here. There is a little Mini Market from behind the Post Office. It has the usual legal documentation centres, property dealers, electic shops and a couple of eaterires.
Where – In Alaknanda. It is on the main road from Greater Kailash II. From Savitri Cinema turn right and keep going down straight. You will hit the T-point. This is the last point, beyond this, the road hits a dead end. At this T-point turn left and keep going down straight crossing Don Bosco School and St. George’s School on your left. The market is beyond the red light after Godavari Apartments.
Timings – Morning 10.30 am to 9 pm. Tuesdays are closed. But most remain open on Tuesdays, especially in the evening. Some shops open by 9 am also. There is a fully functional Post Office and four Banks.
Highlights – There is a good shoe shop called Nagrik. It offers some excellent range for daily and fancy wear. There are a couple of shops selling cosmetics and stock a wonderful range. There are quite a few momo stalls in the evening. There are a couple of paranthawalas and kulchawala who work in the afternoon.
Insider Tip – Bikanerwala has an amazing array of cakes. All eggless and a huge range of flavours to choose from. The owner loves to experiment and there is an exotic range to choose from. As also their range of ghevars, gujiyas and other mithais. There is boutique who has been running it for a long time now. Namita stocks good wares. Sahni General Store stocks almost everything and one gets a free dose of Sahni Bhaiiyas down to earth humorous tips delivered with a dead pan face. It is still a good market with a friendly set of shopkeepers. Biggest drawback, does not have a good restaurant. This is though amply made up by eateries in GK II M block market.
