You might have to navigate through strewn vegetables and heaps of garbage, if you want to reach this visual marvel. Bengaluru’s Krishna Rajendra Market, more popularly known as K R Market, houses a vibrant bustling flower market at its basement; unknown to many city dwellers. The copious variety of traditional flowers, that adorn the metropolitan city’s temples, wedding halls and make its way into thousands of homes, is traced to this wholesale flower market.
Image Source: Sindhu M V| FolomojoImage source: Sindhu M V | Folomojo
The shout of “mallige, kanakambara, chendu hoo, sevanthige,” the Kannada names of popular flowers like jasmine, marigold, etc, reverberate as you make your way through the crowded stalls and baskets of flowers. You can also see women and men sitting amidst heaps of flowers and chatting, while their swift finger movement threads flowers together to form garlands and long strings of flowers.
Image source: Sindhu M V | Folomojo
A flower seller tells us that the market functions throughout the day except for a slight break of about two hours after mid-night. However, the market is effectively open 24*7.
Image source: Sindhu M V | FolomojoImage source: Sindhu M V | Folomojo
The trucks and vehicles loaded with flowers from Dharmapuri and Salem in Tamil Nadu and even nearby villages from Bengaluru arrive in the wee hours of morning, even before the break of dawn. Some arrive in the evenings too, as the market’s stocks needs to be replenished constantly.
Image source: Sindhu M V | Folomojo
Be it colours, form or fragrance, you will be spoilt for choices!
Image source: Sindhu M V | FolomojoImage source: Sindhu M V | FolomojoImage source: Sindhu M V | Folomojo
Apart from the flower market, the complex also has shops that sell traditional items like vermillion, glass bangles, and other items used for religious rituals. Also, a few shops sell anything from cradles to lanterns to utensils made of iron.
Image source: Sindhu M V | Folomojo
Just outside the complex, you will see vendors selling vegetables and fruits at rock-bottom prices. And if you continue to walk in the by-lanes near the complex, you will reach Bengaluru’s flea market – Chickpet. It’s another world of its own. Even if you don’t buy flowers, you must visit K R flower market to experience the vitality and exuberance.
Image source: Sindhu M V | FolomojoImage source: Sindhu M V | FolomojoImage source: Sindhu M V | Folomojo
