Kailash Mawa Bhandar

The Ghazipur Sabzi Mandi is always loud and crowded, and that’s where you can find us at Bagh Diwar Fatehpuri 14. This place is usually covered in a thin layer of white dust from all the sacks being moved around. We deal with mawa and other dairy basics that people need for making sweets. In the early morning, it's a bit of a chaos with trucks trying to reverse into small gaps and people shouting to be heard over the engines. Our spot is tucked away, and it’s mostly filled with large containers and heavy scales for weighing everything out. The walls are a bit stained from years of work, and the floor is hard concrete that stays cool even when it’s baking outside. We don’t really have a place for people to sit, so everyone just stands around while we get their orders ready. Sometimes the smells from the vegetable market next door get really strong, especially when the onions arrive. It is hard work, mostly lifting and moving things all day long. My hands are usually tired by the time we close up in the afternoon. We’ve been in this market for years, seeing faces come and go as the seasons change. It isn’t a fancy office or anything like that, just a workspace where we get things done. Most of our day is spent talking to regular buyers who know exactly what they want.