Best places for Durga Puja shopping in Guwahati come alive weeks before the festival, turning the city into a bustling marketplace of colors, fabrics, jewellery, and festive décor. For Guwahatians, shopping is more than preparation; it’s part of the Puja tradition. Families head to Fancy Bazar, Panbazar, and GS Road malls, while street stalls in Ganeshguri and Beltola cater to budget-friendly buyers. Together, these markets create the joyful rhythm of Puja season in the city.
Why Shopping During Durga Puja in Guwahati is Special
Durga Puja is more than just rituals; it is about renewal. Buying new clothes, gifts, and puja essentials is a tradition deeply tied to the celebration. In Guwahati, shopping becomes a cultural ritual; families make day-long plans to visit markets, snack at food stalls, and return home with bags full of festive joy.
What makes Guwahati special is its blend of Assamese traditions and modern fashion. You’ll find a mekhela chador shop next to a western boutique, or a gold jewellery store a lane away from a budget street vendor. Shopping, in this city, is not just about purchases; it’s about being part of the festive build-up.
Also Read: Durga Puja Preparations in Guwahati: From Idol-Making to Pandal Themes
Top Markets for Durga Puja Shopping in Guwahati
Fancy Bazar – The All-in-One Marketplace
Fancy Bazar, often called the “Chandni Chowk of the Northeast”, is the first stop for most Guwahatians during Durga Puja. Its narrow lanes buzz with activity weeks before the festival, filled with the aroma of sweets, the sparkle of jewellery, and the rustle of new fabrics. It is the place where tradition meets variety at pocket-friendly prices.
What you’ll find at Fancy Bazar:
- Traditional wear: A wide range of mekhela chadors, Banarasi and silk sarees, lehengas, and festive salwar suits.
- Jewellery: From authentic gold jewellery to oxidized, stone-studded, and imitation pieces for budget buyers.
- Décor & Puja items: Fairy lights, idols, incense sticks, and decorative torans.
The joy of Fancy Bazar lies in its bargain-friendly environment—a little haggling can get you great deals. Surrounded by legendary sweet shops and snack stalls serving jalebis, ghugni, and samosas, it also doubles as a foodie’s paradise.
Paltan Bazar – Clothes & Accessories for All
Located right next to the railway station, Paltan Bazar is one of the most accessible markets in Guwahati. The area stays busy throughout the year, but it truly comes alive before Durga Puja with a surge of shoppers.
Highlights of Paltan Bazar shopping:
- Trendy clothes: Western wear, casuals, kurtis, and kids’ fashion at mid-range prices.
- Fusion fashion: Indo-western styles are popular with youngsters.
- Accessories & footwear: Belts, bags, shoes, and seasonal discounts on festive styles.
Because of its central location and connectivity, many outstation visitors head straight here upon arriving in Guwahati. The mix of branded showrooms and affordable local stores makes it suitable for all budgets.
Panbazar – Sarees, Books, and Traditional Wear
Panbazar is where Assamese elegance takes center stage. Famous for its silk stores, Panbazar is a go-to market for anyone looking for authentic traditional fashion during Durga Puja.
Best things to buy in Panbazar:
- Mekhela chadors: Available in silk, cotton, and Assamese weaves like Muga and Pat.
- Ethnic jewellery: Junbiri, gamkharu, and traditional Assamese ornaments.
- Sarees & festive attire: Handloom and designer sarees that blend tradition with modern styles.
- Books & gifts: A unique mix—besides clothing, you can also pick up festive gifts or books for children.
Shopping here feels nostalgic, with its old-world charm and a slower, more traditional shopping experience compared to newer markets.
GS Road & Christian Basti – Branded Shopping Hubs
For shoppers who prefer air-conditioned malls and branded outlets, GS Road and Christian Basti are the places to be. These areas are lined with malls, multiplexes, and showrooms that offer a premium shopping experience.
Popular spots on GS Road & Christian Basti:
- Dona Planet, Central Mall, and Sohum Emporia – all under one stretch.
- Indian and international brands like Levi’s, Allen Solly, AND, and Lifestyle.
- Lifestyle shopping: Footwear, accessories, and cosmetics for the complete Puja look.
This hub is perfect for family outings—dad can pick up formal wear, mom can shop traditional attire, and kids can grab trendy outfits, all in one trip. Plus, the malls offer parking and food courts, making them hassle-free compared to street markets.
Beltola Market – Festive Essentials & Fresh Items
Beltola, one of Guwahati’s oldest markets, transforms into a Durga Puja essentials hub. Known as a weekly bazaar, it gets crowded with shoppers looking for ritualistic items and festive bargains.
What Beltola is famous for:
- Fresh flowers: Marigold garlands, lotus flowers, and seasonal blooms used in puja rituals.
- Fruits & vegetables: Locally sourced items needed for bhog and offerings.
- Puja supplies: Bamboo, earthen pots, and other ritualistic materials.
- Seasonal stalls: Affordable clothing and accessories during Puja.
For many households, buying puja-day flowers from Beltola is a tradition passed down through generations.
Maligaon Market – Affordable & Local Choices
If you’re looking for budget shopping, Maligaon Market is the place. Located away from the central chaos, it caters to the working-class families and students who want affordable yet festive options.
Why shop at Maligaon:
- Clothing discounts: Small stores offering festival deals.
- Street vendors: Jewellery, handbags, and footwear at low prices.
- Puja essentials: Local stalls selling fruits, flowers, and décor items.
Maligaon may not be as glamorous as GS Road or Fancy Bazar, but it’s popular for its value-for-money shopping experience.
Best Malls & Modern Shopping Spots in Guwahati
City Centre Mall (GS Road)
City Centre Mall offers a stylish, modern shopping experience. With a mix of top fashion brands, lifestyle outlets, and a sprawling food court, it’s perfect for those who want to combine shopping with leisure. The mall also hosts festive offers and events during Puja, adding to the excitement.
Central Mall (GS Road)
Central Mall is a crowd favorite for mid-range branded wear. From casual fashion to formal attire, it caters to families, couples, and youngsters. Seasonal sales during Durga Puja make it one of the busiest malls on GS Road.
Sohum Emporia (Christian Basti)
Sohum Emporia is premium and exclusive. It features luxury fashion labels, jewellery stores, and designer wear collections. Ideal for those looking to splurge during Durga Puja, Sohum is where you’ll find high-end gifts, festive sarees, and luxury accessories.
Street Shopping in Guwahati – Budget-Friendly Picks
Not everyone shops in malls or large markets; for many, the thrill of street shopping in Guwahati defines the real Puja vibe. The city’s roadside stalls and pop-up shops become treasure hunts you never know what quirky accessory or affordable outfit you’ll find. Street shopping also supports local vendors who rely on the festive season for much of their income.
Popular street shopping hubs in Guwahati include:
Ganeshguri
Ganeshguri is a hotspot for trendy fashion at affordable prices. From casual tops and jeans to Indo-western kurtis and dupattas, it’s popular among college students and youngsters. The roadside stalls also stock funky jewellery, handbags, and hair accessories. What makes Ganeshguri special is its fast-changing fashion stock—every week brings something new.
Silpukhuri
For daily wear and budget shopping, Silpukhuri is a great stop. Local vendors line the streets with cotton wear, leggings, shirts, and festive kurtas at prices lower than most markets. It’s also known for kids’ clothing and small household items. Many Guwahatians prefer Silpukhuri for its no-frills affordability and everyday convenience.
Uzan Bazar
Uzan Bazar combines the charm of festive knick-knacks with the buzz of a local market. Here, you’ll find quirky earrings, handbags, wallets, bangles, and even small décor pieces for Puja. It’s especially popular with women looking for matching accessories to complete their Puja outfits.
Street shopping is ideal for:
- Last-minute buyers who need quick picks before the big day.
- Budget-conscious families looking for value-for-money deals.
- Fashion explorers who love browsing through colorful stalls and discovering hidden gems.
For many Guwahatians, a Durga Puja shopping trip isn’t complete without a round of street stalls, where bargaining, browsing, and buying create memories as lively as the festival itself.
Best Things to Buy in Guwahati for Durga Puja
If you’re planning your shopping spree and feeling overwhelmed, here’s a quick list of must-buy items during Durga Puja in Guwahati and where to find them:
- Mekhela Chadors & Sarees – Panbazar and Fancy Bazar are unbeatable for Assamese silk and festive sarees.
- Jewellery – Gold, imitation, and oxidized jewellery in Fancy Bazar and Panbazar complete the Puja look.
- Festive Fashion for Youth – Ganeshguri stalls and GS Road malls offer the latest Indo-western styles.
- Puja Essentials – Beltola and Maligaon markets are best for flowers, bamboo, fruits, and décor items.
- Home Décor & Gifts – Uzan Bazar street stalls and GS Road showrooms stock lamps, fairy lights, and gifting items.
This mix ensures you’re festival-ready from head to toe outfits, accessories, décor, and rituals all covered.
Puja-Specific Shopping – What to Buy Where
Here’s a quick guide to where you should head depending on your need:
| Item | Best Place | Why Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Clothes & Fashion | Fancy Bazar, Panbazar, GS Road malls | Variety from traditional to modern |
| Jewellery | Fancy Bazar, Panbazar | Authentic & imitation jewellery |
| Puja Essentials | Beltola, Maligaon | Flowers, fruits, bamboo, décor |
| Gifts & Home Décor | Ganeshguri, GS Road | Trendy décor and festive gifting |
Tips for Durga Puja Shopping in Guwahati
- Shop Early: Crowds peak just before Saptami. Shopping 2–3 weeks in advance saves time and stress.
- Bargain Smartly: Fancy Bazar and Paltan Bazar are haggle-friendly, but malls and branded stores are fixed-price.
- Carry Cash: Though digital payments are common, small vendors prefer cash.
- Plan Parking: Fancy Bazar and Panbazar are notorious for traffic jams—use rickshaws or shared cabs.
- Snack Stops: Don’t miss street treats like ghugni, chops, jalebis, and momos to keep energy high while shopping.
Conclusion
Durga Puja shopping in Guwahati is not just about ticking off a list—it’s about soaking in the festive energy of the city. From the chaos of Fancy Bazar’s bargaining lanes to the polished interiors of Sohum Emporia, the city offers a shopping journey for every budget and style.
Markets like Panbazar and Beltola tie you to Assamese traditions, while GS Road malls connect you to modern fashion. Add in the joy of street food, family outings, and late-night bargaining sessions, and you realize that shopping is as much a celebration as Puja itself.
This year, take time to explore the best places for Durga Puja shopping in Guwahati, and let the city’s festive markets and malls add color, tradition, and sparkle to your celebrations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best market for festive shopping in Guwahati?
Fancy Bazar tops the list for all-in-one festive shopping.
Where can I buy traditional Assamese wear for Puja?
Panbazar and Fancy Bazar are best for mekhela chadors and Assamese jewellery.
What are the best malls for branded shopping in Guwahati?
GS Road malls like Sohum Emporia, Central Mall, and Dona Planet.
Is street shopping good in Guwahati for Puja?
Yes, Ganeshguri, Silpukhuri, and Uzan Bazar offer great street shopping.
Where can I shop for Puja essentials like flowers, décor, and idols?
Beltola and Maligaon markets specialize in puja essentials.
What are the best places for jewellery shopping in Guwahati during Durga Puja?
Fancy Bazar and Panbazar are known for gold and imitation jewellery.
Which markets are budget-friendly for Durga Puja shopping?
Maligaon, Beltola, and street stalls in Ganeshguri.
Is parking available near major shopping markets?
Parking is limited; public transport is best during peak shopping days.
When is the best time to shop for Durga Puja in Guwahati?
2–3 weeks before Puja, preferably on weekday mornings.
Where can I find good food while shopping in Guwahati?
Fancy Bazar and Ganeshguri are packed with snack vendors serving ghugni, chops, jalebis, and momos.
How can outstation visitors reach Fancy Bazar easily?
From the railway station (Paltan Bazar), it’s a 10-minute rickshaw ride; from the airport, taxis take about 45 minutes.
Are there festive discounts during Durga Puja?
Yes, almost all shops and malls offer discounts and special deals during the festive season.