Weather: 12°C - 27°C (Best enjoyed during the cooler months)
Tags: Shopping, Handicrafts, Souvenirs, Local Markets
Label: Handicrafts, Madhubani Art, Traditional Shopping
Time Required: 2-3 hours

Overview:

Patna, the capital of Bihar, offers a delightful shopping experience that combines rich cultural heritage with modern shopping facilities. Known for its traditional handicrafts, vibrant local markets, and bustling bazaars, the city is an ideal destination for shoppers who enjoy unique items and love to bargain. Whether you're looking for Madhubani paintings, bead jewelry, leather goods, or religious artifacts, Patna offers a variety of shopping options that cater to both traditional and contemporary tastes.

The city has long been home to skilled craftsmen and artists who have preserved traditional art forms for centuries. Madhubani paintings, applique work, and miniatures are some of the must-have souvenirs when in Patna. While the city is famous for its religious offerings, there is also a vibrant scene of local handicrafts and street shopping that makes it a great destination for those in search of unique, handmade goods.

What to Shop for in Patna:

  • Madhubani Paintings:
    Patna is renowned for its Madhubani paintings, which originated in the Mithila region of Bihar. These colorful and geometric designs are hand-painted on materials like paper, cloth, and even walls. Traditionally created by women using fingers, matchsticks, and nib-pens, these paintings have become a significant part of Indian art. The vibrant colors and intricate patterns make them a must-have souvenir for any visitor.

  • Bead Jewelry and Leather Goods:
    Patna is known for its exquisite bead jewelry and finely crafted leather goods. Whether you’re looking for a unique necklace, bracelet, or a leather wallet, the markets of Patna offer an impressive range of handmade items.

  • Applique Work on Fabric:
    A specialty of the region, Patna is famous for its applique work on silk and cotton fabrics. Intricate designs are stitched onto the fabric, making for beautiful quilts, wall hangings, and clothing.

  • Miniatures in Paper and Leaves:
    A unique art form of Patna, miniatures crafted from paper and leaves make for interesting collectibles. These delicate artifacts are painstakingly made by local artists and are available in the markets.

  • Wooden Furniture and Handicrafts:
    Nala Road and Hathwa Market are known for offering finely crafted wooden furniture and traditional handicrafts that showcase the rich cultural heritage of Bihar. Whether you want to buy a handcrafted wooden chair or decorative pieces, these markets have plenty to offer.

Best Shopping Places in Patna:

  • Patna Market (Ashok Rajpath):
    One of the oldest and most vibrant shopping hubs in Patna, Patna Market is where you’ll find a wide array of handicrafts, clothes, and souvenirs. It's an ideal place to pick up items like Madhubani art, local jewelry, and other traditional crafts.

  • Hathwa Market (Bakerganj):
    If you're looking for footwear or garments, Hathwa Market is the place to be. It’s a popular shopping destination for both locals and tourists alike.

  • Khaitan Market (Gandhi Maidan):
    This bustling market near Gandhi Maidan is known for its affordable bulk goods, including home items, toys, and more. It offers a mix of traditional and modern products at competitive prices.

  • Maurya Lok Shopping Complex:
    Located on Dak Bungalow Road, Maurya Lok Shopping Complex is one of the best places for high-quality shopping, offering a variety of items ranging from clothing to accessories.

  • Vishal Mega Mart and Maharaja Kameshwar Complex:
    These shopping centers offer a more modern shopping experience with a variety of national and international brands.

  • Lhasa Market:
    If you're visiting Patna during the winter months, Lhasa Market is a must-see for winter goods sold by Tibetan refugees. The market has a unique atmosphere, offering a range of items including woolen clothes and accessories.

  • Gandhi Maidan Book Fair:
    For book lovers, the Gandhi Maidan Book Fair is a treasure trove of books on various subjects. It's one of the most visited fairs in Patna.

  • Bihar Handloom & Handicrafts Emporium:
    For those interested in traditional textiles, the Bihar Handloom & Handicrafts Emporium offers a variety of handloom fabrics, applique work, and other local crafts.

Local Experiences:

When shopping in Patna, don’t forget to indulge in local Bihari street food. Treat yourself to the famous Litti Chokha, a traditional Bihari dish, and stop by Maner Sweets for the renowned Maner Ka Laddoo. These treats will add a flavorful experience to your shopping adventure.

How to Reach Patna for Shopping:

  • By Air:
    The nearest airport to Patna is Jaiprakash Narayan International Airport, located about 5 km from the city center. The airport is well connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Lucknow. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take an auto-rickshaw to the shopping areas.

  • By Train:
    Patna Junction is well connected to cities across India, including Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Lucknow. After arriving at the train station, you can use local taxis or auto-rickshaws to reach the main shopping markets.

  • By Road:
    Patna is accessible by road from neighboring cities like Muzaffarpur, Bihar Sharif, and Gaya. Once in Patna, most of the shopping areas are easily reachable by local transportation like auto-rickshaws, taxis, or on foot.