Laad Bazaar, Hyderabad | Choodi Bazaar

Laad Bazaar, Hyderabad Overview

Laad Bazaar, just adjacent to the popular landmark of Charminar is a famous and historic market known for its shopping souvenirs and most importantly, bangles. It is definitely one of the oldest markets in Hyderabad and sparks up memories of its glittering past. The sparklingly colourful bridal bazaar (market), as it has also been called has been operating since the days of Qutb Shahis and the Nizams. The word 'Laad' refers the lacquer which is used to make bangles here that are studded with artificial diamonds. Apart from the beautiful accessories, one can also buy traditional Hyderabadi artefacts here such as the 'soorma' - a natural kohl that comes in an exquisite bottle and colourful dupattas!

There are more than 150 workshops located here that produce some of the finest bangles called lac bangles. With a touch of class, one lac bangle supposedly takes up to 3 hours of man work to complete. Also known as Choodi Bazaar (Choodi or Chudi refer to bangles in Hindi), the kilometre-long road is dotted with shops selling cheap jewellery, clothes, bangles and wedding items at reduced rates. Silverwares, paintings and fabrics are highlights of the market as well.

The market is visited by thousands of tourists and shoppers every day. Laad Bazaar is located on the west face of Charminar, on one of the four main roads that emerge from the monument. There are numerous other attractions and places of historical importance nearby and being the radiant city Hyderabad is; the prominent landmark has attracted shopaholics and tourists alike for generations. The kilometre long shopping strip feels like a never-ending fair.

Famous shops and things to buy at Laad Bazaar

The kilometre-long shopping strip, Laad Bazaar's authenticity and variety make it every lady shopper's dream market. From specially hand-crafted colored lac bangles studded with stones, gold embroidered fabrics and handmade articles of silk to jewellery, Kalamkari paintings and traditional Khara dupattas, this is street shopping at its finest. You can also shop stylish sherwanis, saris, cotton clothes and shiny silverwares. The bangles sold here are popular all over the country. The market holds the honor of producing and vending some of the most exclusive bangles, whether stone or pearl studded.

The outlets here usually cover their entire floor with soft mattresses on which the customer usually sits without their shoes and shops. The stores here are also known as great pearl shopping destinations (Hyderabad is also nicknamed the City of Pearls). There are more than hundreds of shops here you can choose from, some famous ones being Paras Jewelers, Charminar Bangles and Jewelery, C.K. Pagdi, Khaleel Traders, Pari and A.H. Zariwala. Price ranges at shops here range from INR 50 to INR 5000 (more or less), depending on the type of articles you are looking for. It is known as the go-to destination for wedding shopping for ladies and this tradition has been followed for generations.

Lac Bangles at Laad Bazaar

Laad Bazaar derives its name from the lacquer - lac (Laad in local terms) that is used to make a particular class of bangles called Lac Bangles. The subtle art of producing this variety has been passed down through generations of artisans, craftsmen and shopkeepers. To complete a single lac bangle seemingly takes about 3 hours of man work. The whole process takes a lot of scrutiny and attention.

Initially, thin aluminium wires are rolled up in the form of rings, to match the shape and size of the required bangle. Normal lac and coloured lac, both are heated separately in equal measures over a coal burner, and the bangle maker subsequently applies a mixture of titanium and Belgium powder with the lac by cautiously mixing it with the base and using the required colours. After being kept aside for drying for quite some time, the bangle is precisely studded with sequins, stones, artificial diamonds, beads and pearls - one at a time!

The dedication and skills of the bangle maker gives birth to thousands of intricate patterns that adorn the great deal of bangles produced here on a daily basis. These multi-coloured bangles are world famous and have a high demand for festivities and marriages.

History of Laad Bazaar

After the erection of the iconic Charminar in 1591 by Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah, the fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, the place naturally attracted hundreds and thousands of visitors due to its magnificence. No written records are present of the birth of the markets, but it is said to have been in use since the times of the Qutb Shahis and Nizams of Hyderabad, making it one of the oldest markets in operation. Several legends are associated with the market, one being that it was set up by Sultan Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah for the wedding of his daughter.

Laad Bazaar, being hundreds of years old is one of the numerous historical markets in the area, others being Pathergatti, Kotla Alijah Road and Charminar Road. During its heyday, it is estimated that around 14,000 shops were present in the Charminar markets!

Best Time To Visit Laad Bazaar

The thriving market functions throughout the year without any hassle. So, plan your day and head out whenever you want to.

During the month of Ramadan, it is at its lovely best as shops are usually shimmering and glittering. Stores are open from 6:30 PM to 6:30 AM, including on Sundays!

Tips For Visiting Laad Bazaar

1. Bargaining and haggling are part and parcel of daily business here in Laad Bazaar. Prices of items are magnified, thanks to the bargaining custom of the place. So, you can expect to negotiate the prices with shopkeepers
2. If you are lucky enough, you can also witness the making of lac bangles, an art mastered by the people here.
3. Carry your valuables safely and be aware of pickpockets.

How To Reach Laad Bazaar

Lying west of Charminar, Laad Bazaar is easily accessible due to its prominent location. It is well known all around Hyderabad, and any of the city public transport can be taken to reach here. Auto-rickshaws are not allowed in the market area because of its narrow lanes and pedestrian traffic.

You can catch a bus to Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station from where it is only 2.5 kilometres away. Secunderabad, Hyderabad's twin city is only 10kilometress from here. The nearest railway station is Hyderabad's Kachiguda Railway Station.