Lewduh, also known as Bara Bazar, is a bustling marketplace in Shillong that earns immense popularity as one of the biggest and oldest trade centres in the northeast of India. The name of this marketplace means 'the market of common people' in local parlance, which is justified by the huge presence of natives. A special thing about this market is that most of the shopkeepers are women from local villages. An array of things is on sale here, including seasonal vegetables, fruits, exotic spices and handicrafts.
In earlier times, this market was a part of Hima Shillong-Nongkseh's capital, but was shifted to its present location afterwards. It falls under the direct administration of Mylliem's Syiem. Every year in April, the market comes alive with the performance of local rituals, under which huge monoliths named 'mawbynnas' are installed and worshipped. These rituals take place at Khlieh Iew, which is the most important and protected area of the market. This ceremony is conducted for pleasing the deity U Blei Shyllong and praying for the betterment of region's trade and economy.
