With the wedding season full swing, Sarafa Bazar, Pakistan’s largest wholesale gold market, bustels with shoppers all day Long, due to the wide variety of jewellery that is on offer there. For the love of gold. . . Sarafa Bazar was established in the 1950s and is characterised by narrow pathways teeming with shops that specialise in every imaginable type to gold jewellery. Over time, the Bazar has, to an extent, been reduced to supplying bullion bars to upscale jewellers. However, if you want custom-made chandan haars (gold chains strung together to create necklaces), sathalars (seven chain necklaces), intricately hand-crafted chokers. Jhumkas (earrings) or karas (bangles), then Sarafa Bazar is your go-to place, thanks to unmatched expertise of its karigars.
For the love of shopping. . . If you are looking for a cheaper alternative to gold, stop at the nearby Kundan street, which, as its name implies, specialises in jewellery made of Kundan. And while you are out and about, stop ab Kagzi bazar for every imaginable type of stationary item, Khajoor Bazar, Karachi’s largest wholesale date market, or Lea Market for fresh fruit, vegetables and milk – and don’t forget to take good look at the Market’s impressive clock tower which serves as it centerpiece.
For the love of food. . . Once you are done with shopping, visit the nearby Food street on MA Jinnah road for some well’earned sustenance. Indulge in the desi delight of your choice, be it steaming biryani, spicy haleem or mouth-watering gol gappas – crowned with refreshing falooda.
The real estate take. . Property options in Sarafa Bazar are limited to small and mid-sized standalone shops ranging between 80 to 200 square feet. Despite concerns regarding security and the absence of adequate parking space, property remains in high demand. Prices appreciate by approximately five to 10% annually, while rental yields by three to five percent. In a nutshell. . . Boasting of exquisitely Gold jewellery at relatively cheaper prices, not to mention its proximity to several of Karachi’s hotspots, a visit to Sarafa Bazar is definitely worth its weight in gold!
By Uzma Nawaz