Vaishno Devi General Store

Vaishno Devi General Store is hidden away in Mundri Mohalla in the Utar Ghasety area. The streets here are very narrow, so you won’t see any big cars coming through. It’s mostly people on foot or bicycles. Our shop is small, but we pack it full of things people need. We have jars of lentils, packets of tea, and basic toiletries. I’ve been working here since I finished school. The walls are painted a light blue that has faded over the years. We have a small shrine in the corner where we light incense every morning. The smell of sandalwood often mixes with the scent of open spice bags. Most of our customers are neighbors who have lived in Mundri Mohalla for generations. They come in to buy a few things and stay to chat for ten minutes. It’s a slow pace of life here. We don't have any big coolers, just one small fridge for milk and yogurt. Sometimes the rain leaks a little near the front door, so we have to move the grain sacks. It’s just one of those things you deal with. We aren't trying to compete with the big stores in the main city. We just provide what the local people in Utar Ghasety need for their homes. It’s a humble business, and we take pride in knowing everyone by name. We stay open until the last few people finish their evening errands.