Johari Bazaar, Jaipur Overview

Painted in pink, Johari Bazaar is the oldest market in Jaipur popular for its vibrant ambience, delicious food and premium quality Kundan jewellery. Considered a haven for jewellery junks, the market offers a wide variety of glittering Jaipuri jewellery made in gold, silver, diamonds, emeralds, and rubies. The Hindi word ‘johari’ itself translates to ‘jeweller’ in English. Dotted with compact shops strewn with colourful apparel, flamboyant juttis, and exuberant lehengas, the narrow labyrinthian lanes are bustling with activity all day long. Situated at the Badi Chaupar and Sanganeri Gate, the bazaar is especially popular among people getting ready for weddings.

From textiles to handicrafts, pottery, quilts, apparels and footwear, there is nothing you can not find here. Jaipuri cotton quilt is another one of the top selling products at the bazaar. The market also has some high-end big brand stores but the highlight of Johari Bazaar is the street stalls and stray shops littered with goods at throw-away prices. However, you should remember to bargain the prices before you settle on something.

Shopping at Johari Bazaar

Go for the enchanting jewellery studded with precious stones and gems. However, make sure to check the authenticity of the products to avoid getting bluffed. You can find good shops inside the lanes of Gopalji ka Raasta, Haldiyon ka Raasta etc. Some of these shops also deal in wholesale and hence the products as prices more reasonably than the other shops.
Explore the multi-coloured lanes and check out the Jaipuri bandhej- tie and die sarees, beautiful lehengas, vibrant dupattas, Jaipuri juttis etc.
Johari Bazaar is also popular for the soft cotton quilts known as Jaipuri Rajais. You can check out the shops near Hawa Mahal, Bapu Bazaar, Chaura Raasta, Gopalji ka Raasta etc. for these rajais.
Do not forget to try the mouth-watering Dahi Bade when you are here. The best outlet to go to is Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar, also known as LMB.
Another popular thing to buy at the market is the ‘laakh ki chudiyon’ i.e. glass bangles. For this the best shop to go to is Roop Rani Bangles near Badi Chaupad.
Chameliwala Bazaar situated near the Zarawar Singh Gate within the Johari Bazaar is famous for khadi products, Mughal bootis, silverwork, ornamental, tribal and traditional Kundan jewellery.
Besides, you can also check out the famous blue-pottery products of Jaipur, textiles, home decor items, batik painting lock printed fabrics, stone carvings etc.

Tips

Being street smart is the key to this market. Bargain as much as you can; quote a price 25% - 35% less than the one quoted by the shopkeeper.
If you are buying clothes or fabrics off the street stalls, check for any defects thoroughly- small cuts or holes etc.
When purchasing jewellery, check thrice to make sure the stones or the studded gems are original. Very many times, the shopkeepers con you into buying fake precious stones.
Keep aware of the pick-pockets, muggers and snatchers. Keep your belongings and valuable items like phones, wallets etc. safe.
You might find several random people offering to take you to the ‘best’ shop for certain items. Keep clear of them. They are commissioned people who take money from shopkeepers for getting them customers.
It is best to take a cab or public transport to the bazaar. If you risk driving your own vehicle, there are chances you might be stuck in traffic forever.