Shopping in India

I hadn't been to India in 2 years. So it was an experience going back.

There are few new shopping malls in Bangalore which I decided to venture out to on my motorcycle. Parked it in the multi-storey parking area (paying an exhorbidant Rs10/- for 2 hours) and carried my helmet in with me.

I walk into this shop and as I am looking around trying to spot the ladies apparel/shoes section, I hear a faint "Madam"(- standard way a lady is addressed by anyone in India). Just as I am smiling to myself, thanking God that it is not me, I get a tap on my shoulder(I nearly die of fright at this stage) and the security guard from the front desk is next to me demanding that I surrender my helmet. I had forgetton all about this very uniquely Indian shopping ritual!

YOu have to have to hand in any baggage(read previous shopping bags and helmet)and in return will be handed a check-in tag(a tattered piece of cardboard with a number on it; the posh shops will have it laminated) that has to be guarded with your life.

I cannot make up my mind if it is a boon or a bane. It is great to have someone watch your previous shopping while you get both hands free to do more shopping. However, it is a pain to have to remember to collect it everytime you go to a new shop.


Here is what invariably always happens. After a spot of shopping, you carry your new shopping bags through the other door of the shop,completely forgetting to collect your helmet and first shopping bag. You remember in the 4th shop after and have to retrace your steps through all your previous shops(as you cannot remember which one you forgot it in)with all the new bags.

Next you spend the next session of shopping checking to make sure you have not accidently dropped the tag and constantly remind yourself to collect your helmet and shopping, you get to the security desk quite pleased with yourself at having remembered, only to be told that the helmet is at the security desk on the other floor as that is where you checked it in. You cannot claim your helmet on any other floor of the same shop!

It can only happen in India