Where the ropes and sails were made; hence the name ‘Leyn Baan’ ('Rope Makers’) Street
- Leyn Baan Street
- Open 24/7
9 am
Primetime at Court Square, slowly a queue forms at the Magistrate’s Court. People find shade under the big banyan tree while waiting for their cases to be heard. It’s the busiest time of the day for the lawyers, letter writers and photocopiers who take office in the narrow saffron yellow buildings dotted around the square. A last-minute flustered rush to get ready before the 9.30- morning court sessions begin.
6 pm
A white-capped man hurries along Leyn Baan Street on his way to evening prayer. As he gets closer to the majestic white Meera Jumma Mosque, the street’s personality changes. In the sight of the Moorish minarets, the street narrows and the front porches shrink. The discreet shop windows leave nothing to the imagination. This is the gem traders' and goldsmith’s part of town.
When walking down Leyn Baan Street, my eye is always drawn to the small shop at the junction. It reminds me of my carefree bachelor days when I used to buy cigarettes and toffees there.