Postcard from Hussain Agahi Bazaar, Multan

As a photographer there is no better place to visit than a bazaar.  Bazaars in Pakistan are crowded, noisy, and full of interesting people, food and things.  The Hussain Agahi Bazaar in Multan is no exception.  

The bazaar is named after the saint Hazrat Syed Hussain Shah Bukhari, shortened to Hussain Agahi.  The story is that the saint was an astute businessman and that he helped many others and all their businesses did well.  So, what better name to give the bazaar than a saint with business acumen!

I entered the bazaar at the Hussain Agahi Chowk (crossroads) and the very first store I saw sold wedding decorations.  The shop sells fresh flower garlands through to mirrored centrepieces, all in bright, vibrant colours.  There are stores selling gold, fabric and kitchenwares.  I enjoyed watching food being prepared, the smell of frying samosas, chicken skewers being cooked over a small charcoal bbq and sweet cakes being carried around the bazaar.   I was also on the hunt for the Multan speciality of sohan halwa but this will be the subject of another blog.  

Walking through the bazaar was a little perilous at times with motorbikes zipping past groups of shoppers.  Every time I thought there was going to be an accident the bike managed to weave past at the last second without incident.  

 From food to fashion, teddy bears to tailors, the Hussain Agahi Bazaar is a must see in Multan.