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By:

Asha Tripathi

14 April 2025 at 1:35:28 pm

The Allure of Street Shopping Over Malls

Street shopping is not just buying — it’s bargaining, bonding, and breathing life. Shopping has always been more than just a way to buy things. It reflects lifestyle, culture, and even emotions. In today’s fast-paced world, two different worlds of shopping coexist — the glimmering, air-conditioned world of malls and the colourful, lively lanes of street markets. Both have their own essence, yet when we look closely, we realise that while malls appear more sophisticated, the real life, energy,...

The Allure of Street Shopping Over Malls

Street shopping is not just buying — it’s bargaining, bonding, and breathing life. Shopping has always been more than just a way to buy things. It reflects lifestyle, culture, and even emotions. In today’s fast-paced world, two different worlds of shopping coexist — the glimmering, air-conditioned world of malls and the colourful, lively lanes of street markets. Both have their own essence, yet when we look closely, we realise that while malls appear more sophisticated, the real life, energy, and connection lie in street shopping.   Malls are like modern-day palaces of consumerism. As we step inside, we are greeted by polished floors, soft lighting, pleasant music, and an atmosphere that almost feels unreal. Every shop is neatly arranged, every brand fighting for our attention with attractive displays and offers. Shopping in a mall is a comfortable experience — there is no dust, no crowd pushing, and no chaos. You can walk leisurely from one store to another, have a coffee in between, watch a movie, and spend the whole day indoors without even realising how time flies.   For many, malls are a symbol of modernity and status. They offer quality assurance, branded products, and the comfort of air-conditioning. You don’t have to bargain, you don’t have to worry about getting cheated, and everything comes with a bill and a warranty. But somewhere in all this perfection, something feels missing — that human touch, that rawness of real life. Malls often make shopping look mechanical — polished, predictable, and slightly emotionless.   Now let’s step outside those glass doors and into the streets—where the real magic begins.   Street shopping is like diving into a sea of colours, voices, and stories. The moment you enter a busy marketplace, you feel the pulse of real life. The shopkeepers calling out their offers, the aroma of street food, the chatter of people, the energy in the air — everything feels alive. Street markets are where creativity meets affordability. You find handmade jewellery, ethnic clothes, quirky bags, and items you never even thought existed — all at throwaway prices!   And the best part? Bargaining. It’s not just about getting a lower price; it’s a lively exchange between the buyer and the seller. It’s a small battle of wits, ending with a smile and mutual satisfaction. In that short conversation, you connect with another human being — something malls rarely offer.   Street shopping also tells the story of hard-working vendors and small artisans who depend on their daily earnings. Every item on those stalls carries the sweat, skill, and dreams of people who create or sell them with passion. There is honesty and simplicity in their effort. It is this raw, unfiltered reality that gives street markets their soul.   In contrast, malls can sometimes feel like artificial bubbles — detached from the outside world. Everything is designed to look perfect, but it’s also expensive, repetitive, and often lacks originality. The same brands, the same products, the same discounts — no surprise, no adventure. Street shopping, on the other hand, is unpredictable. You never know what you’ll find. That’s what makes it so exciting.   Beyond the products, street markets give us something more valuable — an experience of real human connection. You hear laughter, you see bargaining, and you feel the rhythm of life moving all around you. You learn patience, observation, and the art of choosing wisely. Street shopping teaches you how to appreciate value, not just price.   Of course, street shopping comes with its own set of flaws. The crowds can be exhausting, the heat unbearable, and the quality uncertain. But those who truly love it will tell you that this chaos has its own beauty. It’s a slice of everyday life — imperfect yet real.   Malls, in comparison, may look polished, but they are isolated worlds of glass and glitter — where smiles are polite but not personal. Street markets, however, are bursting with emotions — of joy, struggle, laughter, and togetherness.   In the end, the difference between malls and street shopping is like the difference between a perfect photograph and a candid picture. The perfect one may look flawless, but the candid one feels alive. Malls may represent aspiration, but street shopping represents reality.   And perhaps, that’s why no matter how many malls rise in our cities, the narrow, noisy lanes of street markets will always have their charm. Because that’s where life breathes — in the voices of vendors, in the sparkle of roadside jewellery, in the scent of street food, and in the joy of finding something wonderful at a price you proudly bargained for.   (The writer is a tutor based in Thane. Views personal.)

The Magic of 0808

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If numbers could talk, 8 would speak the language of wealth. And when the date doubles into 8/8, it becomes more than just a day on the calendar - it becomes a symbolic reminder of financial power, balance, and long-term abundance. Interestingly, this date also coincides with what astrologers call the Lion’s Gate Portal, a period believed to bring heightened energy for growth and transformation. Whether or not you follow astrology, 8/8 offers a great opportunity to reflect on your financial journey and take meaningful steps forward.


Every year, August 8 (8/8) is considered a significant day in astrology and numerology. It marks the peak of what is known as the Lion’s Gate Portal - a cosmic window where the Sun in Leo aligns with the Earth and the star Sirius. Many believe this alignment creates a surge of energy around growth, abundance, and transformation.


Now, I am a financial advisor - not an astrologer or numerologist - but I still find this date fascinating for another reason: the symbolism of the number 8.


In numerology, 8 is the number of wealth, power, balance, and infinite flow. It is associated with karma, ambition, and financial mastery. When the calendar reads 8/8, it is believed to carry a double dose of that energy. And whether or not you believe in the stars, the pattern and intention behind this date can serve as a powerful financial checkpoint.


From a financial planning point of view, I like to treat 8/8 as a money mirror - a time to pause and ask yourself:

  • Are my investments aligned with my long-term goals?

  • Is my money truly working for me, or am I caught in a never-ending earn-and-spend loop?

  • Am I creating lasting wealth, or just temporary income?


Just like we make resolutions on January 1st, 8/8 can be your mid-year money reset - a chance to reflect and take action. Use this day to check your goals, review expenses, do lumpsum investments, increase SIPs, update insurance, or declutter your finances by unsubscribing from unused services, consolidating idle accounts and organising documents. These simple yet intentional steps can free up both energy and money - bringing you closer to your long-term financial goals.


And here’s a fun reminder: when you rotate the number 8, it becomes the symbol for infinity ( ). That’s what true investing is about - consistent actions, patience, and compounding over time. It is not flashy. It is not overnight. But it is magical.


So this 8/8, set an intention. Act on it. Even the largest fortunes begin with a few focused, mindful steps. Because when your daily actions start matching your long-term goals, that is when real transformation begins.


(The author is a Chartered Accountant and CFA (USA). Financial Advisor.

Views personal. He could be reached on 9833133605.)

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