23 Oct 2008
11:28 pm IST

In the book shop, 6 youngsters were reading comics and 4 were reading novels. Two 60+ year ladies wearing a Hare Ram T-shirt were going through Patanjali yoga religiously. The shop had about 50 sections of different books. Electronic toys attracted children. 5 to 6 ladies aged about 20 to 25 were browsing through Yoga CDs. Billing counter was least crowded.

30% people were speaking regional languages. 60% spoke in ‘Hinglish’. 10% spoke in local language in full throat.

Office executives came in mostly with their laptop bags. Seasonal decoration was on. Huge lighting was in evidence from ceiling or top floor to ground floor. Great picture opportunity for most visitors.

The handicrafts shop had jewellery, bags, etc. 80% ladies were there. 20% men were inside too. Small bags got sold quickly. One lady bought 8 bags at about Rs.1100/- in total.

Most visitors were carrying backpacks. Hardly anyone was alone. 20 to 30 year olds were seen maximum, in maximum numbers. They seemed to be content sitting outside for hours and chatting with each other.

A group of 4 people roamed around the entire mall, doing nothing… looking here and there and finally scooted off outside.

Kids were interested in free demonstration – music attracted them – headphones were popular. A 10 to 12 years old kid came with his mother and father. He ran into a sports shop and kept trying all equipments. He then went into a video games centre. He didn’t play any games. He was fiddling around with machines there. He didn’t ask his parents for any money.

Most people were standing around balcony and chatting. For one hour a girl was sitting in the ground floor. She then got up and went outside. A security guard guided her inside a barricade placed near a performing stage. May be she was a performer or a DJ. She was clearly enjoying herself while sitting in the same place for that one long hour. She was wearing a dark brown eye glasses at 7 p.m.

West Side (a dress shop) and Landmark Store had some people. Rest of the shops were almost empty. People visiting from outside Bangalore were taking pictures. The Mall was filed with posters…. Movie, ads, season celebration…. Game show…. Not many were interested in taking part in the show. People were hesitating to go.

A man kept round the Swatch kiosk for 4 minutes. He then enquired something of the store guy and then walked out. After half hour his wife came back with a shopping bag and then they all went off.

Lots of children love playing as they walk around with their parents. Children like to jump around….. Coffee shop – one guy aged 30 years old was selling mutual funds.
Reliance webstore – some people were paying bills, some were watching a cricket match.

Outside the Forum mall there was an Indian traditional ‘dholak’ show. The show was crowded. People stood and watched it for few minutes.

Shopping Malls are today’s Entertainment Hub, Bonding places, Cool joints, Hangout Corners and Simply Time pass junctions. Has the hep crowd of Bangalore city no where else to go?

While visitors’ footprint increases, why not try and green it to reduce its carbon footprint?

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Be the change,
Krish Murali Eswar.
"A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history. Gandhiji."