Work at the market is bustling, and in this hustle and bustle, the chill is hardly felt. To keep the mood up, sellers even have fun, dancing and clapping their hands. As a result of such merriment, a local "stomping and shouting" chant emerged: "Rejoice, people! The Bishkek market awaits you on the weekend!" Farmers joke that they now resemble Santa Clauses, as they have brought a whole palette of gifts from all corners of sunny Kyrgyzstan to the capital. The "people's microphone" has become a great way for participants to showcase their talents; sometimes farmers take the microphone and sing so energetically that customers leave their purchases and go to watch the "performers" in aprons. After this, they return to trading with renewed vigor.
When it comes to secrets for combating the cold, farmers smile mysteriously. Many of them have found ways to keep warm; for example, neighboring beekeepers ordered jackets and heated insoles through Chinese online stores. Meanwhile, sisters Valentina and Vasilina Popova, who came from Grigorievka by Issyk-Kul, rely on good old felt boots that they bought in Novosibirsk. As soon as the frost starts nipping at their heels, they put them on and feel comfortable. These sisters offer customers well-known mushrooms that they collect as a family, as well as jams, jellies, and compotes made from selected berries. Customers come to them specifically, knowing that they can find "their" sellers here.
You can reach the market by bus No. 1 from Ala-Archa Gorge, which will take you directly to the event. It is also worth noting that there are "boxes of kindness" set up at the market where you can donate food. These donations are then turned into hot pilaf, which is distributed in social shelters and nursing homes, bringing warmth to those in need. The market will operate until June 2026, but there will be a short break in January until mid-month. Before the New Year, from December 27 to 31, customers will have the opportunity to purchase products at reduced prices.
At the next "people's microphone" on Tuesday, there will be an informative session where experts will share information about the advantages of concrete surfaces in agriculture and methods for reducing water losses in irrigation systems. The organizers emphasized that the market is open to innovations, banking programs, and educational projects, striving to be closer to the people. And, of course, they are always happy to see folk Santa Clauses and Snow Maidens ready to congratulate the hardworking people. For any inquiries, you can contact the phone numbers (0312) 66-14-22 or 0702 70-20-00, and to participate in the "People's Microphone," you can write on WhatsApp at 0555 923-603.
