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Delhi. The ruins of the old city, markets, monuments, broken mansion, the zigzag of roads, the still sad times of music past and rising up from it, her mother, wind in her hair, laughing like a witch.
The true elegance and beauty of Delhi has been described in this line by Debotri Dhar. Every corner of Delhi has its own unique story and importance. One such place in Delhi is Gaffar Market which is located in Karol Bagh. The market was founded in 1952 and is named after an active freedom fighter, Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan. You will be amazed to know that he was not a citizen of India but still was awarded Bharat Ratna.
About Gaffar Market
Delhi has all kinds of markets — if it has glitzy malls, it also has stately shopping arcades like Connaught Place. Gaffar Market in Karol Bagh, on the other hand, has always been in a different league.
What most people don’t know is that Gaffar Market is also known as Grey Market. If you know how to bargain (you are lucky enough!), there are a few peddlers and shops here that sell China-made goods at rock-bottom prices! Gaffar market is an iconic market and heaven for all who want to do budget shopping. It has a variety of shops ranging from technology (cameras, mobile phones, speakers, etc.) to wedding attire (lehengas, saris, coats, overcoats, etc.).
Things to buy from Gaffar Market
You will never find the market empty. You will be amazed to see the carnival-like atmosphere, as it is crowded with shoppers from all over the country. If you look around the market you will see there are some shops which don’t even have a name but still are crowded with people. And all you can hear is “Imported” from the mouths of shopkeepers and peddlers. Because nothing but ‘imported’ goods are sold in Gaffar.
Let’s take a look at what you buy from Gaffar Market and why it is a favorite bargaining spot for Delhiites!
1. Watches
Do you love wearing watches (that too branded!), then this is the right place for you! Buy Gucci, Versace watches without burning a hole in your pocket. Gaffar is brimming with duplicate, first-copy, and second-copy luxury watches such as Rolex, Cartier, Gucci, Versace, and even Apple Watches starting at Rs. 500.
Wait, we have a great tip for you- If you buy these watches from peddlers, we are sure you will get them at a very cheap price.
2. LED Tv
We will not recommend you to purchase LED or LCD TVs from Gaffar Market but if you’re on a tight budget and only need it for a few months, then why not go for it? There will be many sellers on the road offering prices ranging from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 6,000. They’ll turn on the LED for you and demonstrate its functionality, but there’s no guarantee or warranty. Try your luck!
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3. Bags
If you are a bag lover then Gaffar is the right place for you. It has a couple of full-fledged shops where you’ll find first-copy bags of brands like Prada, Michael Kors, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Tory Burch, and others, as well as second- and third-third-copy bags of similar brands. Apart from the shops, there are stalls on the street which will give you a good discount (depends on your bargaining skills!)
4. Iphone
Wish to buy an Iphone but it is tight on your budget. This market specializes in iPhones; looking for the latest model or one of the older models, they’ll offer you iPhones at rock-bottom prices. Excited? But you must be wondering why at low prices. Well, most of the iPhones here are second hand or have been repaired or are no longer under warranty, or have been imported and have manufacturing defects. Be careful when you buy one!
5. Drones
Excited just by reading the name? You can easily find them in the mobile and camera shops. However, you have to book in advance if you want to buy one and you won’t get the cheapest price. But they are worthy!
6. Massaging chairs
Coming back home after a tiring day or just working from home and getting back aches or body aches from sitting on your couch, planning to get a good massage, but don’t want to go out to salons! Get your own massaging chair and other cool massage equipment then, that too at a decent cost. The reason why the price is low is because the majority of the items here were imported from China.
7. Tops, T-shirts and Shirts
Aren’t we all fond of wearing the latest design clothes? (Especially girls!) Gaffar Market is a place where you can upgrade your wardrobe on a budget! They have a ton of second-hand clothes. You can find replicas of any brand in this market. When it comes to style and keeping up with the latest trends, the shops in this area are the best if compared to the ones in Sarojini Nagar or Janpath (yes, that’s true).
8. Denim
As soon as you walk into the market, you’ll notice denim jeans and jackets in the stalls outside as well as the larger shops inside Gaffar’s galis. There will be piles and piles of jeans of your size, including ripped, bootcut, high-waist, skinny, and boyfriend styles etc. Do you know the starting price of jeans is just Rs 250! (Yesssss!)
Pro Tip – Don’t forget to bargain, you may get a pair of jeans at a very cheap price!
9. Mobile Accessories and Repairs
Gaffar Market should be your fire brigade whenever you need any new accessory for your phone or you want to get your phone repaired. There are numerous wholesale mobile parts shops on Market Street that deal with all mobile phones, accessories, and repairs. Delhiites prefer the market because it has a solution for every mobile, tablet, iPhone-Pad, laptop, and other device. Whether it’s screen damage or an IC or AC problem, you will undoubtedly find a repair shop.
How to Reach Gaffar Market?
If you are planning to visit Gaffar Market by metro, the nearest metro station you need to get down is Karol Bagh Metro Station which is on the blue line. Once you get down at the metro station, the market is just 15 minutes away.
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You can also visit Gaffar Market by cab or your own vehicle. However, one should avoid traveling by his/her vehicle as there is no parking facility.
What is the opening and Closing timing of Gaffar Market?
The market is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am till 9 pm. Yes, it is closed on Monday.
Pro Tip – For a good discount try visiting the market early in the morning!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the address of Gaffar Market?
The address of Gaffar Market is – Pilli Building, Gali Number 15, Gaffar Market, Block 24N, Beadonpura, Karol Bagh, New Delhi-110005
Do the shopkeepers provide you with a bill on purchase?
Shop owners here are just as smart as we are! They understand the value of a bill and how to get around it in order to maximize profits. No bill can easily get you a product – technology, TV, clothes, shoes… everything – for less than half the price
What is the opening and closing timings of Gaffar Market Karol Bagh?
The market opens at 10 in the morning and closes at 9 in the evening. You can visit Gaffar Market from Tuesday to Sunday.
Is there any Entry fee in Gaffar Market?
No, there is no Entry fees in the market.
Which is the nearest metro station to Gaffar Market?
Karol Bagh which is on the blue line is the nearest metro station to Gaffar Market.
Who is Gaffar Market named after?
The market has been named after Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, a freedom fighter known as ‘Frontier Gandhi’ and ‘Bacha Khan.’
Why is Gaffar Market known as grey Market?
Gaffar Market is Delhi’s unofficial grey market because electronic items here are being imported and sold at very cheap prices. (You can say 50% less than the actual price)
What things should one take care of while visiting Gaffar Market?
· Don’t be fooled by local shoppers who can sell you local products, especially electronics.
· Go to some big shops and showrooms to get authentic products.
· Avoid getting into a heated argument with the shopkeepers for a bill because it is useless.
· Keep yourself hydrated
· Be cautious of the pickpockets.
· Don’t forget to Bargain!
Conclusion
NO WAIT, NO BILL, NO GUARANTEE are three common principles of Gaffar Market.
No wait means You will not have to wait for the release of your favorite product.
No Bill means shopkeepers will never provide you the bill of the products that your buy from them
No Guarantee means shop at your own risk! Shopkeepers will tell you everything about the product but will not say anything about the guarantee.
Gaffar Market is a one-stop shopping place for those looking for ‘imported’ goods at less than ‘official prices.’ Clothing, crockery, electronic devices, toys, shoes, you name it, it’s here. One more pro tip: bring your shades or umbrella with you and enjoy a refreshing glass of banta after you are done shopping.
