Patna, the lively capital city of Bihar, isn’t just a place packed with history — it’s also a paradise for shopaholics. With its colorful bazaars, street vendors, and buzzing markets, Patna offers a shopping experience that’s full of character and surprises. Whether you’re hunting for elegant Madhubani paintings, traditional handloom saris, sparkling jewelry, delicious sweets, or quirky souvenirs, you’ll find treasures here that you won’t get anywhere else.
Shopping in Patna is not just about buying things; it’s about experiencing the culture, meeting warm-hearted shopkeepers, and bringing home a little piece of Bihar’s rich heritage. From historic markets like Patna Market to upscale malls like P&M Mall, the city offers a shopping experience for every taste and budget.
In this detailed guide, we’ll take you through the best things to buy in Patna — and more importantly, tell you exactly where to find them!
1. Madhubani Paintings – Traditional Art with a Story
If there’s one thing you absolutely must buy in Patna, it’s a Madhubani painting. These intricate artworks, originating from the Mithila region of Bihar, are famous all over the world. Each painting is rich with symbols — peacocks, fishes, flowers, and Hindu deities — painted with natural colors on handmade paper or cloth.
Traditionally done by village women, Madhubani paintings tell stories from mythology and daily life in vivid, detailed patterns. They make for a stunning piece of home décor or a very special gift.
Where to Buy:
- Khadi Mall (Gandhi Maidan Road): This government-run store often has a beautiful collection of authentic Madhubani paintings at fair prices.
- Patna Museum Shop: A great place to pick up certified artworks.
- Street stalls near Gandhi Maidan and Maurya Lok Complex: You can sometimes bargain for better prices here.
Tip: Always check if the painting is handmade — machine prints are cheaper but lack the magic of real brushwork.
2. Tussar Silk and Handloom Saris
Patna is well-known for its gorgeous handloom products, and a Tussar silk sari is a must-buy for anyone who loves Indian textiles. Tussar silk from Bihar has a natural golden sheen, and the saris often feature simple, elegant designs perfect for special occasions.
You can also look for Bhagalpuri silk, another famous product from Bihar, known for its lightweight feel and shiny texture.
Where to Buy:
- Khadi Gramodyog Bhawan (Bir Chand Patel Path): Offers a wide range of authentic handloom saris at government-approved rates.
- Hast Kargha Bhandar (Fraser Road): A trusted name for traditional saris.
- Patna Market: If you’re good at bargaining, this lively market is a goldmine.
Tip: Ask for saris with GI (Geographical Indication) tags if you want 100% authentic products.
Suggested Itinerary: Bihar Buddhist6 Days Tour Itinerary
3. Jewelry – From Traditional to Trendy
When in Patna, exploring local jewelry is a must. You’ll find stunning traditional designs like Thewa work, Kundan sets, and imitation jewelry that looks almost as good as real gold. Patna is also famous for its beautiful gold jewelry, often intricately crafted in old-world designs.
If you’re not into heavy jewelry, don’t worry — many shops also offer modern, minimalist pieces perfect for daily wear.
Where to Buy:
- Hathwa Market: The heart of traditional jewelry shopping in Patna. Full of small, bustling jewelry shops.
- P&M Mall (Patliputra Industrial Area): For branded jewelry and modern designs.
- Bankipur and Boring Road Markets: Good mix of traditional and contemporary designs.
Tip: Always ask for a proper bill and gold certification if you’re buying real gold jewelry.
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4. Sweets – Take Home a Taste of Patna
Bihar’s sweets are legendary, and Patna is the best place to indulge. Whether it’s the melt-in-your-mouth khaja, the rich thekua, or the famous lal peda, you’ll want to carry home a box (or three) for your family and friends.
Must-try Sweets:
- Khaja
- Thekua
- Lai (puffed rice sweets)
- Balushahi
- Khurma
Where to Buy:
- Kailash Paswan Mithaiwala (Fraser Road): Legendary shop for traditional sweets.
- Bharat Jalpan (Maurya Lok Complex): Known for khaja and other mithais.
- Sudha Dairy Outlets: Great for packaged sweets that are easy to carry during travel.
Tip: Ask them to pack sweets travel-safe if you’re planning a long journey.
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5. Books – Dive into Bihar’s Literary Soul
Patna has a rich intellectual history, and it’s a great place to pick up books, especially on Indian history, culture, and literature. You’ll find everything from rare manuscripts to the latest bestsellers.
Where to Buy:
- Modern Book Depot (Fraser Road): An old and beloved bookstore.
- National Book Shop (Boring Road): Good for academic and competitive exam books.
- Street book vendors near Gandhi Maidan: You can stumble upon rare finds if you’re willing to browse a bit.
Tip: Many roadside vendors offer second-hand books at great prices. Always check the condition carefully!
6. Souvenirs and Handicrafts
If you want to bring home a piece of Bihar’s rich culture, Patna’s handicrafts are perfect souvenirs. From miniature Madhubani paintings to hand-carved wooden toys, the city offers unique treasures you won’t find elsewhere.
Other popular items include Tikuli paintings — beautiful art made using enamel on hardboard — and Sikki grass products like baskets, boxes, and mats. Tikuli art, which dates back more than 800 years, usually features bright colors, detailed borders, and scenes from Indian mythology or folk life.
Where to Buy:
- Upendra Maharathi Shilp Anusandhan Sansthan (Sultanganj area): A government-run emporium where you’ll find authentic Tikuli paintings, Sikki crafts, and more.
- Maurya Lok Complex: Many shops sell small decorative items perfect for gifts.
- Khadi Mall (Gandhi Maidan): Another reliable place for authentic, fair-priced handicrafts.
Tip: Always ask if the item is handmade — it makes a huge difference in quality and authenticity!
Suggested Itinerary: Bihar Religious Tour Itinerary for 4 Nights 5 days
7. Traditional Clothes and Accessories
Patna is a fantastic place to shop for traditional clothes. If you love ethnic wear, you’ll find stunning options like embroidered kurtas, vibrant dupattas, lehengas, and comfortable cotton salwar suits.
Patna also offers traditional Bhagalpuri silk suits, stylish chikankari kurtis, and handwoven shawls perfect for cooler months. Accessories like handmade juttis (ethnic shoes), glass bangles, and colorful bindis add the final touch to your traditional look.
Where to Buy:
- Patna Market: Great variety at pocket-friendly prices.
- Khaitan Market (Ashok Rajpath): Known for beautiful fabrics and ready-made ethnic clothes.
- Boring Road Market: Trendy outfits with a mix of traditional and modern styles.
Tip: Some stores allow for custom stitching — perfect if you want an outfit tailor-made to your size!
8. Antiques and Curios
If you have an eye for unique and historical items, Patna has some hidden gems when it comes to antiques and curios. You can find old coins, brass statues, vintage locks, rare stamps, and even ancient-looking furniture pieces if you know where to look.
While there aren’t giant antique markets, small shops tucked into older parts of the city occasionally offer fascinating finds. You need a little patience — and good bargaining skills — but finding an old Buddha statue or a colonial-era souvenir is worth the effort.
Where to Buy:
- Hathwa Market and Ashok Rajpath area: Some shops here sell antique-looking brassware, coins, and old jewelry.
- Maurya Lok Complex: Occasionally you’ll find curios and vintage crafts.
- Local fairs and exhibitions: Sometimes temporary stalls pop up with incredible antiques.
Tip: Always ask questions about the piece’s history and check for signs of authenticity!
9. Leather Goods
Another great buy in Patna is high-quality leather goods. You’ll find belts, wallets, bags, jackets, and shoes made from real leather — often at very affordable prices compared to bigger cities.
While international brands are available at malls like P&M Mall, local artisans also produce excellent handmade leather items that are durable, stylish, and unique. You’ll find both traditional designs and modern, trendy styles depending on where you shop.
Where to Buy:
- Patna Market and Hathwa Market: Good for bargaining and exploring different styles.
- P&M Mall (Patliputra Industrial Area): For branded leather goods.
- Boring Road shops: Mix of branded and local stores with a wide variety of leather products.
Tip: Gently pull or bend the leather to check its softness and flexibility — a good way to spot quality leather.
10. Street Shopping in Maurya Lok Complex
Maurya Lok Complex is Patna’s iconic shopping destination — a lively market that’s been a favorite for decades. It’s one of those places where you can find almost everything: clothes, jewelry, books, handicrafts, electronics, toys, and even street food.
The complex is a mix of old and new, with government shops standing alongside tiny local stalls. Bargaining is expected, and half the fun is negotiating your way to a good deal. From traditional dresses to affordable accessories, Maurya Lok Complex is a great place to shop if you want variety without burning a hole in your pocket.
Things to Buy Here:
- Ethnic clothes
- Handicrafts
- Budget-friendly jewelry
- Home décor
- Kids’ toys
- Second-hand books
When to Visit: Late afternoon is best when the market is buzzing but not too hot.
Tip: Keep some cash handy, as not all small shops accept cards or digital payments.
11. Best Malls in Patna for Modern Shopping
If you prefer the comfort of air-conditioning and branded stores, Patna has some great malls too. They offer a mix of Indian and international brands, food courts, movie theatres, and lifestyle stores — a good option if you want a break from busy street markets.
Top Malls in Patna:
- P&M Mall (Patliputra Industrial Area): Biggest mall in Patna, with brands like Levi’s, Adidas, Fabindia, and food courts.
- Patna Central (Fraser Road): Good for clothes shopping and dining.
- Vasundhara Metro Mall (Bailey Road): Smaller mall but has good options for casual shopping and food.
Malls are a great place to pick up branded clothing, electronics, perfumes, cosmetics, and even home decor items.
Tip: Watch out for seasonal sales around festivals like Diwali and Christmas — you can score great discounts!
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12. Local Markets You Shouldn’t Miss
Besides Patna Market and Maurya Lok, there are a few other local markets that are absolutely worth checking out:
Hathwa Market: One of the oldest and most famous shopping areas in Patna. Known for jewelry, clothes, and wedding shopping.
Boring Road Market: Great mix of modern boutiques, branded stores, street food stalls, and accessories.
Ashok Rajpath: Close to educational institutions, this stretch has bookstores, stationery shops, and affordable clothing options.
Khetan Market: A hidden gem for budget shopping, especially ethnic wear and casual shoes.
Each market has its own unique charm — some are lively and colorful, others more laid-back and specialized.
13. Bonus: Tips for Shopping in Patna
- Bargain wisely: In street markets, bargaining is expected. Smile, be polite, and negotiate respectfully.
- Carry cash: Although digital payments are growing, small shops still prefer cash.
- Shop in the evening: Patna can get quite hot during the day — evening shopping is cooler and more fun.
- Taste local food: Many markets have great street food options — don’t miss trying litti chokha, samosas, or sweet jalebis.
- Be aware of fake products: Especially for handicrafts and branded goods, check quality carefully.
Conclusion
Patna is a city that surprises you at every turn — and its shopping scene is no different. Whether you’re looking for age-old traditions preserved in a Madhubani painting, the luxurious feel of Tussar silk, the sparkle of handmade jewelry, or the sweet taste of Bihar’s famous khaja, there’s something here for everyone.
Shopping in Patna isn’t just about buying things — it’s about diving into the heart of a vibrant culture, meeting incredible people, and discovering treasures that tell stories of heritage and craftsmanship. So grab your shopping bags, polish your bargaining skills, and set off to explore the best of what Patna has to offer!
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