Hustle and bustle at Chowrasta

Wednesday, February 08 2012

DESPITE the current hollowing out of George Town as a residential area, Chowrasta Market is a hive of activity every morning, with vendors selling goods ranging from fresh vegetables, meats and fruits to merchandise that serve the household needs of residents -- clogs, cookware, even towels.

The market lies in the borders of Jalan Penang, Jalan Chowrasta, Jalan Kuala Kangsar and Lebuh Tamil. Aptly named as it means “four cross roads” in Urdu, the area surrounding the market has been a settlement for Tamils from Kadayanallur in southern India, since the mid 19th century, which also inadvertently led it to be also called "Kelinga Ban San", Hokkien for “South Indian Market”. (Penang Travel Tips)

Chowrasta Market today remains an important landmark that is also located in George Town’s heritage zone. Therefore, despite previous attempts to demolish the market due to its declining state, efforts are now underway by the state government to rope in investors to give a new image to Chowrasta by looking at forging a “mutually beneficial” public-private partnership to rejuvenate the bazaar.” (Star Online, 16.06.10)

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