Shri Ganesh Pan Bhandar

Malviya Nagar is where we set up Shri Ganesh Pan Bhandar. It’s just a small spot, really. We open up in the late morning and stay until the crowds thin out at night. Pan making is something we’ve done for a while now. It’s mostly locals who stop by after their dinner. We keep the betel leaves fresh in wet cloths so they stay crisp. There isn't much space to sit, so people usually just stand around on the pavement talking while they wait for their order. We go through a lot of gulkand and lime paste every day. My brother helps me out when things get busy on the weekends. You know how it is in this neighborhood, everyone knows everyone else. We don’t do any big advertising or anything. People just see the sign and come over. Sometimes the kids come for the sweet ones with the cherries on top. It gets quite hot in the summer under the tin roof, but we have a small fan that helps a bit. We try to keep the counter tidy but with all the jars of spices and tobacco, it gets crowded fast. It’s a simple living. We see the same faces every day, which is nice. If the weather is good, we stay open a bit longer. Otherwise, we pack up and head home once the street lights have been on for a few hours.