From a previous edition of Maya Bazaar
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Maya Bazaar, one of India’s biggest inclusive market festival is coming to Bengaluru on October 10 and 11. Founded by Sanam Dembla and Veena Kulkarni in Goa, the festival has become more inclusive with every passing year, and this edition will feature over 130 entrepreneurs and various events slotted for Maya Manch, the festival’s live performance segment.
This year, nearly 80-90% of stall owners are from LGBTQ+ and marginalised communities, while the stage will see performances from the likes of rapper Saniya MQ from Mumbai and the Tamil Nadu-based, all-women rap-collective Sollisai Sistahs, and a dance-off among others. A traditional performance by the Jogappas, a transgender community located primarily in northern Karnataka, will open the Bazaar.
Kris, operations head at Maya Bazaar, says, “Sanam wanted to provide upcoming entrepreneurs in the community a platform to showcase their businesses and at the same time, help them reach mainstream audiences.”
“We are trying to create a casual experience to display how people from these communities live and what are the businesses they helm,” he continues.
The stalls are set up by marginalised and LGBTQ+ community members and the event welcomes audiences from every background. Maya Bazaar focuses on creating an environment where people can relate to each other in a realistic manner.
Apart from the various stalls and Maya Manch, the organisers host an open mic where anyone in the audience can exhibit their talents. “Maya Bazaar is a great space for parents of a queer child to engage with the community,” says Kris, adding, “LGBTQ people have been around for years; this is not a Western concept. Here in India, we too, are living our lives and trying to earn an income. At Maya Bazaar, you not only experience two full days of shopping and fun, but also get a chance to engage with the community in a meaningful way.”
Maya Bazaar 2026 will take place at LaLit Ashok on October 10 and 11. Tickets starting from ₹300 are on allevents.in. For details visit mayabazaar.co.in
Published – October 09, 2026 08:28 pm IST
