No purchase but many smiles

New Market is a  famous Dhaka institution. And as the name implies, in banglalogic , it is one one of the oldest markets in Dhaka. 

New Market was founded when people got tired of the busy (read seriously overcrowded) streets of Old  Dhaka. New Market would be the showpiece of Dhaka's modernization in the 1950s. 

New Market is said to be triangular in shape with a triangular lawn with a mosque in the center. 

Well, we found the mosque (under reconstruction) but I am not sure about the lawn. Whatever, it was an exciting experience. 

We went there early on a Friday morning when most of the stores were just opening. For Dhaka people, it was empty - for people from scarcely populated countries it was jammed.

Our driver said that we should return in the evening when it was really busy and we could experience the real nature of the market place. Honestly, the unreal nature was enough.

The pictures hopefully give a little idea of the atmosphere though the most impressive experience was all the smells. 

Fish, meat, sweat, urine, dirt, spices, city, sleep, dust. Not exactly something you would spray behind your ear. 

And I am afraid that the smells are much stronger in the summer when the temperature in about the double. Now it's winter time with 25 to 30 Celcius (77 to 86 Fahrenheit).

New Market is a place where you can buy anything essential for the local life - from fish to meat, household objects, sandals and clothes.

You can negotiate the price but the smile is always free.