Heritage · Ridi
Ridi's old pilgrim bazaar
A slow walk through the old bazaar along the river, with its brick and timber houses, carved windows, small shrines and shops selling puja goods, brass, sweets and shaligram.
Ridi's bazaar grew to serve pilgrims, and it still does. The old street runs along the river with houses of brick and timber, carved wooden windows, overhanging balconies and small shrines set into walls. Many buildings are old, and the street keeps much of its medieval character.
Shops sell what pilgrims need: incense, red powder, threads, brass lamps and water pots, sweets for offerings and, here and there, shaligram. Tea shops fill with priests, traders and travelling families.
Your guide will point out the oldest houses and the bhaktini ama, female mendicants who live by the temple. Ridi changes completely in mid-January, so on any other day you see it as a quiet, working place.
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Questions
What can I buy in Ridi bazaar?
Ridi's shops sell puja goods such as incense, red powder, threads and brass lamps, along with water pots, sweets, everyday household goods and shaligram stones. During the January fair, traders also bring cloth, tools and food from across the western hills. Prices are low; bargain politely for larger items.
Who are the bhaktini ama of Ridi?
Bhaktini ama are female mendicants who have renounced household life to live and worship near the temple. Their tradition at Ridi is mentioned in the description of the Rishikesh complex for UNESCO's tentative list. Treat them with respect, and ask before taking photographs.
Is Ridi busy all year?
No. For most of the year Ridi is a quiet temple town with steady local pilgrims and cremations. It becomes very crowded for three days at Maghe Sankranti in mid-January, and busier on other auspicious days in the Hindu calendar.
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