In an era of 10-minute deliveries, why weekly markets have become my ‘dopamine hit’

Six years after relocating from Chennai to Delhi, I have discovered that weekly markets have become my source of dopamine. While platforms like Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart have undoubtedly made my life easier, the unpredictability and inconvenience of Delhi's weekly markets have become my preferred source of convenience. These markets are chaotic, with vendors calling out prices, e-rickshaws squeezing past, and vegetables piling up in seemingly endless mounds. However, I find immense joy in navigating this unpredictability.

Unlike supermarkets or e-commerce platforms, weekly markets offer a different kind of convenience. While the prices are printed and everything is neatly organized in other stores, weekly markets require you to actively participate in the process. You have to examine the produce, ask where it came from, and decide if it's worth the price. You also need to remember what you bought previously and engage in a bit of bargaining.

Despite initially finding the markets overwhelming, I have grown increasingly comfortable with the negotiations. I've developed a bargaining strategy, realizing that the first price is seldom final. The vendors, too, bring their own charm. I've come to recognize them and appreciate their knowledge of their produce and their ability to remember my previous purchases.

The market is more than just a place for commerce; it's a stage where families work together, children do homework, and people engage in friendly debates over prices.

What's fascinating about these markets is the glimpse they offer into the lives of the vendors and shoppers. Over time, you start to see the ebb and flow of people's lives, from a vendor's child starting college to the struggles of landlords raising rent. These markets provide a unique window into ordinary lives unfolding before your eyes.