Once sun-sweetened, century-old Gur Mandi finds new tastes

Ludhiana: From jaggery to junk, Gur Mandi’s century-old legacy has drowned in the clamour of change. In the heart of this old market, jaggery — the high-quality traditional sweet that gave this place its name — is now rare but plastic phone covers are aplenty.
The market has shifted focus to meeting the local demand for cosmetics, mobile-phone accessories, and toys instead.In the festival season, navigating its old, congested lanes has become a progressive challenge. Rajinder Kumar, a long-time jaggery vendor from Roopa Mistry Street, reflected on the changes he has witnessed since joining his father’s shop in 1964. Born in 1947, he has seen it evolve closely. He said: “The younger generation wants quick money without the patience to wait for customers. I sold jaggery sitting in a vest and shorts amid flies. Today's youth would likely refuse to do this work.”



He sources jaggery from both Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, and his highest-quality product that goes for Rs 120 a kilogram will be available next month. Kunal Sood, who has done business in this market for 16 years, shared his own experience of change. He said: “From running a confectionery shop, I switched to selling mobile-phone accessories almost nine years ago. I am one of the many vendors who have adapted their businesses to the shifting consumer preferences, for wedding-related items particularly.”
Anil Malhotra, who moved his shop from near Mata Rani Chowk, noted the drastic transformation of Gur Mandi over the years. “Jaggery shops used to dominate here, but people began opting for other products gradually,” he explained. He recalled when CD and DVD shops were popular but have since vanished due to technological advancements.
Parking space in this congested area it is insufficient for the number of visitors, so shopkeepers often advise their customers to use a multi-floor parking lot near Mata Rani Chowk, which many find inconvenient due to the distance they must walk.
The transformation of Gur Mandi in Ludhiana has significantly impacted local businesses in several ways. Overall, the transformation of Gur Mandi reflects broader economic and social changes impacting local businesses in Ludhiana, necessitating adaptability among vendors while raising concerns about cultural heritage and community identity.
The market is also associated with a fire tragedy that occurred in 1991 when more than 60 people had died in that cracker shops’ blaze. Today, with a heavy footfall and limited escape routes, any future fire could be even more devastating. As Gur Mandi continues to evolve amid changing consumer demands and safety concerns, its historical significance remains overshadowed by modern challenges.