Besides hoisting the National Flag, traders of IA Market unveiled a new look on August 15. They installed plants in colourful baskets that are now hanging from the ceilings all across the market.
“We could have put up artificial plants but we wanted to spread the message of greenery,” said Rishiraj Ghosh, who runs a shop selling party items and is the secretary of the association.
Now vendors are responsible for the upkeep of the plant in front of their shop. There are 190 hanging pots and 40 regular ones. Indoor plant varieties have been placed in lanes that do not receive sunlight.
In recent years, IA Market has got a facelift, having become extremely neat, clean and user-friendly. They have a temple, CCTVs and audio system that was on the day playing patriotic songs. The circular vacant space in the middle of the market used to be littered with sacks and crates but has since been beautified. It was where the flag was hoisted on August 15 by ward co-ordinator Minu Das Chakraborty.
The traders worked hard to make the show a success. Amlan Dutta had shut his mobile store for the day to concentrate on the decorations. Jayanta Pal, who runs a decorator outlet at the market, was proud of how pleasant the market was looking. “Usually we erect all this at weddings but here we did this permanently,” he said.
They have recently carved out a lounge space in the market too. “Previously we had benches at the three entrances of the market but now we have shifted them to a single entrance and created a sort of enclosure. The space has been laid out with a carpet, lights, fan and beautified with an aquarium, potted plants and newspapers for visitors to relax. “Many people are depressed these days and we’ve observed that they leave their homes and come sit in the market for respite. We want to welcome them and create an ambience to help them feel better,” said Ghosh.
Customers were indeed pleased. “I usually visit either of the two block markets near my house but this one is undoubtedly a better experience,” said Susanta Ojha of Mahabir Vikas. “With so many plants and fish, there are lots of attractions for my five-year-old son too,” he said.
The new lounge unveiled in the market for visitors.
They have recently carved out a lounge space in the market too. “Previously we had benches at the three entrances of the market but now we have shifted them to a single entrance and created a sort of enclosure. The space has been laid out with a carpet, lights, fan and beautified with an aquarium, potted plants and newspapers for visitors to relax. “Many people are depressed these days and we’ve observed that they leave their homes and come sit in the market for respite. We want to welcome them and create an ambience to help them feel better,” said Ghosh.
Customers were indeed pleased. “I usually visit either of the two block markets near my house but this one is undoubtedly a better experience,” said Susanta Ojha of Mahabir Vikas. “With so many plants and fish, there are lots of attractions for my five-year-old son too,” he said.
Pictures by Brinda Sarkar
