Let's Shop!
“O.K.! So you have decided to visit Rajasthan” asked my mom. “ Ya and it's final” I answered. “ Here, take this” ordered mom. She handed me white paper that had some splash of blue ink. At first I was quite skeptical to see that paper then soon I realized it was a list of things that she wanted from Rajasthan.

Shopping Spree!
And here I was in Rajasthan with around 10 such list in my hand. Some belonged to my friends and others to my relatives.

Well shopping had never been an easy task for me. And it became somewhat more difficult in Rajasthan, since the prices of the product differ every next shop. “Rajasthan is a shopper paradise” This was written in one of the brochures that I read. Indeed it's a shopper's paradise for those who enterprise in bargaining.

Since I was staying in Jaipur, I first ventured there. I called my guide, Ranvir Singh, to escort me in this shopping spree and believe me! this was one of the best thing I did in my trip. “So where should we start from?” I asked him. We both took an auto rickshaw from there and landed in Jauhri Bazaar. Famous for its Bhandej (Bhandej is a famous tie and die craft practiced in Rajasthan) and block printed textiles. I bought meters of bhandej textiles, as almost all of my relatives asked for it.

Since my mother wanted the lac bangles and embroidered footwear, I had to run to Tripolia bazaar and Ramgang bazaar, respectively. “ Rs 700 for Jutiya” asked the salesman. “ Mein Dhaisaw Doonga (I will give Rs 250) ” replied Ranvir. The deal was finalized for Rs 300.

On the way to Rajasthali, a government run handicraft Emporium, Ranvir told me that these auto rickshaw drivers generally take commission from shopkeepers to bring tourists to their shop. “ How Smart !” I thought. From Rajasthali, I bought a traditional “Lehenga” , a traditional Indian full length embroidered skirt, for my sister.

Ranvir also told me what I could shop from other cities. He acquainted me that I could buy mirror work, rugs, blankets from Jaisalmer while Jodhpur is famous for its jewelery.