Kohima: By 5:00 a.m., the Chümoukedima Saturday Bazaar wakes up. Vendors haul in fresh fruit, vegetables, groceries, and second-hand clothes. This weekly hub serves as the busiest market in the Chümoukedima-Dimapur area. More than 800 local and non-local vendors set up shop every week. Market Management Committee Chairman Kengulie Shuya oversees the daily operations and stall allocations.
Shoppers travel from Kohima, Peren, and Assam to find affordable goods. They browse categorized sections for staples or visit the second-hand clothing stalls. The market provides basic infrastructure, including parking, lighting, and toilets. Government departments and the Chümoukedima Town Council monitor hygiene. The Council also manages waste collection, while a dedicated caretaker handles cleaning from Monday to Wednesday.
The supply chain reaches deep into Peren and Phek districts. Farmers send fresh produce to wholesale markets before it hits the stalls. Prices fluctuate based on transport costs, demand, and wholesale rates. Negotiating prices remains a standard ritual for everyone involved. Some vendors have worked here for six years or more. One seller noted the market is the best in Dimapur.
Economic pressure remains a constant reality. Many workers left their home states, including Bihar, to chase better earnings. Drivers, tailors, and cargo helpers round out the workforce. The transition to mandatory bio-friendly bags remains a pain point for long-time traders. Sofikul Islam, who has traded here for seven years, remains frustrated. "If I could change something, I would change the carry bag because it is a struggle for both me and my customers," he said.
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