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.  

Life in Lahore - Chai

Australian Photographer in Pakistan

Instagram @gaynor.shaw.photography

While walking around inside the old walled city of Lahore I came across a man making chai.  Chai is very important to Pakistanis and everyone has their own, best ever, recipe.  I have included a recipe for chai below.  Traditionally it is made with full fat milk and Pakistanis love their chai with lots of sugar but you can try it without sugar and any milk you prefer.  However, don’t skip the ladling part as this enhances the flavour and makes it a little frothy.  Enjoy!

 Pakistani Chai for four people

 Ingredients

4 tsp black tea

2 ½ cups water

2 cups full fat milk

4 cardamon pods

Lots of sugar to taste

 Method

1.     Bring the water up to boil then add tea leaves and cardamon pods, reduce heat to medium and simmer for a couple of minutes.

2.     Add milk and bring back up to a boil, take off the heat and ladle the tea up high to allow lots of air – see photo above for how to ladle and pour the tea from on high.  Repeat this step a couple of times to develop the flavour.  Do not take your eyes off the tea as it can quickly boil over.

3.     Strain the tea into cups.

4.     Add sugar to taste.

Postcard from Rawalpindi - Raja Bazaar - chaotic, colourful, with candy floss

Australian Photographer in Pakistan

Instagram @gaynor.shaw.photography

On a glorious winter’s day a group of us headed off to Rawalpindi to visit the Raja Bazaar. Pindi (as the locals call it) is a short 30 minute drive, on good roads, from Islamabad. Islamabad and Pindi could not be more different. Pindi is noisy, busy and very colourful - a photographers paradise. There are so many shops, taxis, rickshaws, buses, carts, motorbikes, and people, lots of people. Pindi has a population of over 2 million and it seemed that everyone single one of them was at the Bazaar with us!

Raja Bazaar is the oldest bazaar in Pindi and covers many smaller bazaars. Areas within the bazaar cover everything from clothing to electronics to food to car parts. We visited the clothing district and walked along narrow alleys that became even narrower, that twisted and turned, up stairs and down stairs. It was good going with someone who knew their way around as it would have been very easy to get lost. It would also be very easy to lose track of time as you admire all that’s on offer, look for bargains and talk to the friendly store holders.

Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds, wear comfortable shoes and get ready to haggle for a bargain.