Vardhmaan Kirana Stores

Vardhmaan Kirana Stores is located in Phalka Bazaar, which is a very old and famous part of Gwalior. The building itself is quite old, with high ceilings and thick brick walls that stay cool even when the sun is blazing outside. We deal mostly in bulk items like large sacks of basmati rice, wheat flour, and different varieties of pulses. The shop is always a bit dusty because of all the grain being moved around on the floor. We have these big metal bins where we store the loose items. Most of our customers are from the nearby villages or people who want to buy for the whole month. It’s a lot of lifting and carrying, so we are usually quite tired by the end of the day. The market here is very competitive, and everyone is shouting to get the attention of the buyers. We have a small corner where we keep a stove to make tea throughout the day. The smell of ginger tea mixed with the earthy scent of the grains is something I have grown to love over the years. We don't have a computer or anything like that, we just use a simple calculator and a blue pen. The wooden counter is worn smooth from years of people leaning on it while they wait for their orders to be packed. It is a simple, honest business and we take pride in just being here every single day.