Mokokchung, February 9 (MTNews): In the year 2010, Watsü Mungdang, the apex organisation of Ao Naga women, conceptualized the “Watsü Weekly Bazaar,” arguably the first of its kind market in the state. Women from within and outside of Mokokchung district including Wokha, Tuensang and Zunheboto, converge here with their commodities, both decoratives and edibles, to sell at the weekly market opened exclusively for women sellers. Beginning at Imlong Place, the main town square, the market, shifted to MMC Shopping Complex in 2015.
Speaking to Mokokchung Times, Katila, Convener, Watsü Market Committee, said that the market remained closed during the 1st and 2nd waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, and that it has now re-opened since December of 2021. “The market used to comprise of 150-200 vendors before the pandemic but now only about 50-60 vendors turn up,” she added.
Speaking on the context of women empowerment, Katila added that the market serves as a platform to elevate, harness and showcase the potential of women’s abilities and talents, and the contributions of women to the local economy. She further added that the market harbors women vendors from all walks of life with no restrictions on ethnicity or residence, with just a fee of Rs.10, for securing an ample space to sell their goods.
The committee also acts as a “price regulatory board” so that uniformity of price is maintained, and oversees for the smooth function of the market. People can procure local organic vegetables, medicinal herbs, seeds, fruits, handicraft items, pickles, fresh water fish, bee larvae, local chicken, homemade cakes, traditionally prepared delicacies like aamsu (porridge) and other specialized delicacies from different tribes.
The market is open on Wednesday of every week within the MMC Shopping Complex from 7 am till 3 pm.
Watsü Weekly Bazaar limping back to life
