With an aim of strengthening the grass-root economy in the villages, a unique open market will be held at Pilerne on every Thursday, asking people to pledge to buy only local and say no to plastic.
Launched earlier in mid-November, the market will be held for the third time on coming Thursday at St John Baptist Church courtyard in Pilerne with around 25 stalls displaying all sorts of things for sale. Adhering to the all-inclusive concept, tables and stalls will be offered free to one and all.
“Anyone who wishes to sell their home-made, eco-friendly merchandise can participate. There is no fee charged to put up a stall or set a table in the market. We have kept the market open for people with disabilities too, and this idea is being welcomed by all,” stated Marius Fernandes, the brain behind this concept of zero-waste, eco-friendly and vocal-for-local market. The food items are served in clay pots, which can be carried home. There will be no plastic used.
“Apart from merchandise, there would be live music, art, plants, games, workshops and demonstrations too. And, the market will have a stall where everything will be free and those who wish to donate their stuff, can display it here, and whosoever needs it, can pick it up and walk away. One of the stalls will be entirely of books, where anyone can come and pick a book for free. This is to encourage reading habit among people,” said Marius.
Goa State Bio-diversity Board member secretary Pradip Sarmokadam who visited the market was impressed by the concept and wants to take it forward in every village in Goa. After interacting with the stall owners, Sarmokadam stated, “This is a happy market, where buyers and sellers, both are so joyful.”
