Anjuna flea market

Picture this- innumerable stalls lining the pathway, an assortment of gaudy colours that could intimidate a rainbow, vendors screaming, women in Rajasthani attire trying to catch the attention of the unsuspecting firang, trying to convince him that the lungi with ‘Om’ motifs could essentially be the most important feature of his India trip.As you soak in these visuals remind yourself of that visit to that vegetable market close to your home and remind yourself of the cacophony of sounds that surround you like an unsettling background score… Already smelling a bargain? Welcome to the world famous Anjuna flea market. It is held on Wednesdays at the Southern end of the beach amidst the coconut plantations. It starts at noon and goes on till sunset.

In India, this market provides cheap goodies and brings out the Goan spirit in hefty doses through their ambiance. Flea market is a translation of the French term marche aux puces, a name originally given to open- air markets in Paris. Literally means ‘market with fleas’ and generally flea connotes low rent or cheap.

The Anjuna flea market reminds us of the 60s character that made Goa famous. It came into existence with the hippies auctioning their belongings in a bid to spend some more time in the Paradise of Goa, all during the late 60’s. Since then it has only got better and bigger. So what did I buy in that market? Nothing! In spite of all the handicrafts, beach clothes, mirror work bags, European stuff, wooden crafts and carvings, beautiful wall hangings, musical instruments, bed covers, CDs with anything from Goa trance to Rock collectibles, kurtas, sarongs, artificial ornaments and T-shirts, all at the same place.

General advice: bargain like crazy if you plan to buy anything. Yeah I mean crazy. They quote just about any price that comes to their mind. A nice way of getting to and from the market is by boats. You get to avoid traffic snarls and if luck favors you might just get to see a few dolphins. Regular boat services can be availed from Baga. I left Anjuna for Miramar at about 5.30 p.m.

P.S.: Anjuna is not considered safe for swimming because of an unpredictable undertow, except near the Flea market end.