Sunday morning. For many people it means sleeping in, taking a well-deserved rest before preparing for the coming week. For many Kolkatians however, it means getting up before the sun rises to head to the pet market on Gallif Street. Here the lane connecting Barrackpore Trunk Road and Kshirode Vidyavinode Avenue becomes a bustling market every Sunday, where animals of all kinds change hands.
Turning off from the main road you get into a narrow alley that feels suspiciously quiet. As you keep walking however you begin to face happy faces with goods in their hands. Slowly small gatherings begin to appear along the colourful brick walls. The people seems to be surrounded around doves in small cages along the street. Further up the road you hear a louder collection of voices and as you reach the Gallif Street the gradual metamorphosis from tranquility to chaotic energy has been completed.
The major market road of the Gallif Street is filled with cages of a variety of animals. Doves in netted cages and puppies inside more robust ones. Tanks with colorful exotic fish. Roosters or rabbits. Whatever your preference of fellowship you’ll be sure to find it here.
Apart from other Indian markets where people go to fulfill their daily needs, this market has excitement and anticipation in the air with dogs riding the arms of their new masters while buyers inspect their newly purchased fish floating in a water-filled plastic bag.
The negotiations here follow their own rhythm. Buyers circle between vendors carefully inspecting each creature with mixed skepticism and exhilaration. The sellers counter the inspection towards the customers trying to anticipate when to attack with an offer or back down.
All around you’ll have opportunistic vendors taking advantage of the crowded space offering sugarcane juices, roasted nuts or sweet chai. Gardening supplies and flowers seem to have made their way into the scene as well presenting a multiple purpose visit to this weekly happening.
Young adults arrive on motorcycles searching for new flying playmates. Fathers walk their children looking for the perfect feline companion. The week ends on a positive note and families can regroup in the evening around their new collections. Sharing a celebration of fleshy connections.
