The Hindu Business Line : When shopping feels special

Shopping is not just about buying things anymore. It's about spending time and letting the minutes increase. It's about having a good time being surprised by the unexpected. It's about enjoying space in the midst of a crowd of fellow shopholics. It is all of that and yet, very few shopping experiences actually turn into exciting expeditions.

All but four of Chennai's special destinations, which we found made good places to visit (and revisit). They occupy space, which is an ode to the city's heritage. They choose not to change but are completely contemporary. Every one of them offers something that is just the right buy for all seasons — clothes, jewellery, gifts and sweets. There is something totally timeless about their appeal. For, what they sell is as important as where they sell it from. And where they sell it from are concrete creations that have stood the test of time and stand testimony to a beauty that will never grow old.

FabIndia on Woods Road is bang in the heart of rambunctious Royapettah. Once upon a time it was a busy business building, typically done up with high ceilings and clattering typewriters. The years grew older and so did the brick and paint. Till along came a new upstart who cared a great deal about old things. Some tricky plastering and a lot of work, a gleam of polish and the swish of paint, and suddenly, Ilford House looked 140 years younger. An island of tranquillity and a haven for hand-woven fabrics, FabIndia is a must visit for all those who love happy endings.

Mehta Jewellery on Tirumalai Pillai Road sits on a nice expanse of land — a rare and almost extinct commodity. The ivory facade of new No 64, T.P. Road is an invitation in itself — impeccable, distinguished and quite sure of its place in the world. The rooms lend themselves to their contents with quiet grace — is it any wonder that diamonds and gold should feel at home here? Chrome, steel and glass are nowhere to be seen. Not yet, thank heavens!

Rasi Handicrafts Company is a new kid on an old block. Opposite to the saree shop of the same name near Mylapore tank, its identity is muted and magical. Why did we never notice this heritage home earlier? Looking now, however, we see the thinnai of an old single-storeyed street house is playing host to the benevolent Ganesha. The low ceiling encourages obeisance. It is difficult to look up after that. The mutram has displays of urulis, valakkus and vengala paanais. A Rajasthani king looks down from his ornate frame, his painting fairly glowing with royal benevolence. Thanjavur art and antique corner pieces jostle for space with white cedar carvings and temple jewellery. In an air-conditioned annexe you can shop for a perfect pair of poi kaal kudirais (plaster of Paris golu dolls, Rs 260) or collect little leather purses as give-aways (hand-dyed, Rs 18). The tiled rafters and teakwood beams shine in their newly reflected glory. Old for the new is now, happily, sold for a few.

Grand Sweets and Snacks looks anything but grand. But wait. Sit down, beckons the portico, and have some akkaravadisal prasaadam. Take in the bustling old house, which seems to be a perennial transit point for its extended family. Young girls scamper about in familiar mustard sarees, peeping behind the door to tell you regretfully, "Sorry, the wheat halwa is over for the day." Why isn't this a four-storey factory turning out kai murrukkus on a conveyer belt? The house seems to sigh at such sacrilege. Listen, it whispers, taste some athirasam, have a bit of the thenguzhal. They promptly melt in the mouth. Can you feel it? That was something more than ghee and cardamom, butter and spices. That was the warmth of an old home.

All seasons' greetings and best dishes!

Picture by Shaju John

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