The Kandy pola provides a unique shopping experience where individuals can directly interact with the growers and sellers, fostering a sense of community and trust. street filled with vibrant vendors selling their wares on the pavement, Each vendor competes fiercely, crying out their best deals in hopes of attracting customers. The air resounds with the calls of “labia, labia” (cheap, cheap), “ada genapu, ada genapu” (brought today), “seeyata thunai, seeyata thunai” (three for a hundred), and “malwane pani rambutan” (sweet rambutan from Malwane). People, with wicker baskets under their arms and small purses full of money, clutched tightly, hurry from one stall to another, seeking the finest bargains. Umbrellas bump into each other as they jostle to keep the hot sun at bay. Toes get trampled, bums are pushed, and arms are shoved in the frenzied pursuit of the best deals. The atmosphere is electric with excitement as customers strive to find the cheapest and highest-quality items. In addition to buying and selling goods, ‘pola’ serves as a meeting place for villagers, where people enjoy chatting with neighbors and fellow villagers.
What is a Pola?
The Pola referred to as ‘fair’ in English, holds great significance in rural areas of Sri Lanka. It serves as a vital component of the local economy and acts as a platform for traders to sell fresh fruits and vegetables that they have cultivated themselves. Throughout history, fairs have been highly popular among village folk, who visit them weekly to purchase fresh vegetables and fruits. Even today, this tradition remains strong, with urban dwellers also showing a preference for buying goods from fairs. The appeal lies in the freshness and affordability of the produce available, making fairs a preferred choice for individuals seeking high-quality, budget-friendly fruits and vegetables.
What Kandy Pola Offers?
It offers a diverse range of fresh vegetables and fruits as well as organic for sale. The fair serves as a platform for local farmers and vendors to showcase their organically grown produce. There are various varieties of vegetables such as carrot, beetroot, cabbage, capsicums, beans, etc., and fruits like mango, pineapple, oranges, etc., as well as green leaves (pala waraga) like gotu kola,sarana, mukunuwanna, katurumurunga, etc.
Purpose of the Pola
To meet consumer requirements at reasonable prices, aim to provide high-quality products that fulfill customer needs without overburdening their budgets.
At a Pola (fair) in Sri Lanka, visitors can immerse themselves in the rich warmth and rustic charm reminiscent of the ancient trading practices that defined the country’s history.
