Published on May 14, 2025
By Veroli Zhimo
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DIMAPUR — There’s nothing quite
like the sensory overload of a bustling local market—the colours of just-picked
produce, the scent of fresh herbs and fried snacks wafting through the air, and
the steady rhythm of bargaining and chatter. In any town or city, the local
markets are not only essential hubs of commerce but also cultural spaces where
everyday life unfolds.
Whether you’re on the lookout for fresh vegetables, rare foraged greens, houseplants, local handicrafts, or street food with a side of adventure, the markets in Dimapur and Chumoukedima have something to offer every day of the week. Here’s a guide to navigating the town’s lively bazaar scene—day by day.
Monday: Budget buys and fresh greens at Padumpukhri
Kick off your week at Padumpukhri’s Monday Bazaar. Known for its range of fresh fruits and vegetables, the market also draws bargain hunters in search of second-hand clothes, budget footwear, and daily wear items.
Tuesday: Seasonal greens at Tin Mile Bazaar
Located at 3rd Mile near
Chekiye Village gate, the Tin Mile Bazaar opens early on Tuesdays and is
especially popular for its wide selection of seasonal, foraged greens brought
in from Wokha, Pfutsero, Kohima, and other districts. Live poultry, freshly
butchered meat, and fish are also available.
Vendors also serve up hot
puri and sabji, even steamed or fried sticky rice rotis, chai and an array of
piping hot pakoras, alu chops, and chana mixtures, among others.
The far end of the market features sheds where second-hand clothing is up for grabs.
Wednesday: Naga Shopping Arcade’s eclectic mix
On Wednesdays, the focus
shifts to the open market at the Naga Shopping Arcade Complex—locally known as
the Supermarket area. Alongside the regular produce and meats, there are adventurous
offerings like snails, hornets, and white mice (believed to have medicinal
properties).
Shoppers will also find artisans selling woven baskets, daos (machetes), wooden crafts, and kitchen tools. For the foodies, there are varieties of street snacks—puri-sabji, galho, singju and pocket-friendly Naga meals.
Houseplant enthusiasts will also appreciate the wide selection of potted plants and succulents.
Thursday: A quiet stop at 6th Mile Bazaar
More low-key but no less lively, the 6th Mile roadside bazaar on Thursdays features fresh vegetables, fruits, fish, and pork. Butcher stalls are well-distributed and cater to local preferences, and hawkers dish out piping-hot snacks to early shoppers.
Friday: Stock up at 4th Mile Market
Opposite the Central Jail, the Friday market at 4th Mile is a one-stop shop before the weekend. Vegetables, fruits, meat, live poultry, kitchen staples, and second-hand clothes dominate the market scene. Street food is a major draw here, with vendors selling jalebis, samosas, puris, galho, and spicy local pork sausages—often selling out within hours.
Saturday: All roads lead to Chumoukedima
The Chumoukedima Saturday
Bazaar is arguably the largest and most diverse market in Dimapur. It’s a
microcosm of the region—featuring organic produce from Pfutsero, bamboo shoots
from Jalukie, axone from Zunheboto, and seasonal apples from Thanamir.
Livestock, handicrafts, second-hand apparel, and local street food round out
the offerings.
Look out for hearty local
thalis, spicy pakoras, and the ubiquitous galho. And if you are lucky, you
might just spot a rare orchid or an unusual houseplant for sale.
Markets open as early as 7:00 am and wind down by evening. For many, these spaces aren’t just about buying food—they’re places of connection and community. Whether you’re a curious traveller, a food lover, or just someone seeking a glimpse into the heart of local living, there’s no better place to start than the local markets.
Sunday: The livestock and farmer’s market at Dillai Gate
While commercial establishments
in Dimapur are closed on Sundays, a massive market springs to life at Dillai
Gate in Assam along Diphu Road, drawing in farmers, livestock breeders, and
vendors from the surrounding areas. It’s the go-to spot for fresh-from-the-farm
vegetables, fruits, meats, and a variety of livestock—from piglets and chickens
to ducks to goats.
Don’t miss the numerous street food hawkers serving hot, ready-to-eat local bites as shoppers move between the stalls.
Disclaimer:
This guide provides an overview
of some of the most frequented weekly markets in Dimapur and Chumoukedima. It
is not an exhaustive list, and there may be other local bazaars and
neighbourhood markets operating in and around the area. Timings, offerings, and
locations may also vary due to local circumstances.
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