Maya Bazaar is a first-of-its-kind series of magical (travelling) marketplaces organised in various towns in India. This unique tradeshow brings out colourful, innovative, quirky, artistic merchandise designed by queer folk. A safe platform for entrepreneurs, artists and performers from the LGBTQIA+ Community to exhibit and sell their wares directly to the world, with love. Some of the stall owners are: House of KC – a fashion brand from Ahmedabad; Rangili – a jewelry brand from Kolkata; The Colour Maniac – an Artist from Bangalore; The Rainbow Corridow x Queerगढ़ – bringing accessories from Chattisgarh among many others.
Road to Utopia is a queer feminist organisation that started in Bangalore which is spearheaded by Sanam Dembla who conceptualised the is idea of Maya Bazaar, along with Veena and Swathi who are a dedicated to create inclusive and equitable spaces in a fun, impactful way. After a successful first attempt, when Maya Bazaar was held in Goa last year, the team decided to bring Maya Bazaar 2.0 the PRIDE month edition to Shimla, which will be held at Hotel Peterhoff on 4th and 5th June. The Maya Bazaar is also a means to educate and empower few members of the Community to become financially independent and earn a livelihood respectfully. Inclusiveness is still a dream, but by organising an event of this scale we are trying to create awareness and acceptance in the society. Even though government policies and plans are in action but follow through is missing.”
“There is something in it for everybody: Gidda, Natti, Music, Drag and Dance performances that will keep you thoroughly entertained. If you fancy a jam session, bring your guitars, bongos, clarinets and most importantly your friends and family,” she further adds.
The immense community support from all over India and collaborators joining for the event are Himachal Queer Foundation, Palampur; Saksham Prakriti Trust, Chandigarh; Sappho for Equality, Kolkata; The Mist Foundation, Pune; The Gay Gaze, Mumbai; Nazariya Foundation, Delhi; Queerabad, Ahmedabad; Queer Collective Dehradun, Dehradun; Queer Kinara, Goa; All Sorts of Queer, Bangalore; Queerly, Goa; among many others.
Maya Bazaar aims to be a platform for everyone to express themselves, build a sense of community and let their hair down for a weekend of fun. The organisers are taking this opportunity to invite you all to come and experience the mesmerising vibe, your presence would add to the explosion of rainbow colours at the biggest queerest events this season.
“After all, this checks all things-to-do in Shimla boxes – Grammable hill view, all day bar, live music, quirky shopping, lots of nibbles and people being their gorgeous selves. So, we urge you not to miss out on an opportunity to visit the first ever Queer Marketplace to be held on the 4th-5th of June 2022 at Hotel Peterhoff, Shimla, Dembla concludes.
Head to Insider.in to book your early bird tickets now!
