Bhanshilal Departmental Store

Bhanshilal Departmental Store sits at 89 Sojati Gate, right in the heart of Jodhpur. Being near Sunaron, the goldsmiths' area, means there is always a lot of movement and the market is always alive. I’ve spent countless days behind this counter, watching the city go by outside the door. Jodhpur is famous for its heat, and the store offers a bit of shade for anyone coming in for their groceries. We have a lot of different items here, from pulses and grains to household cleaners and toiletries. It’s a departmental store but it feels more like a local corner shop because of how we know the people who walk through the door. I try to keep things in order, but in a busy market like Sojati Gate, things can get a bit chaotic during the festival seasons. The building is old, like much of this part of town, which gives it a certain character I suppose. I don't bother with much marketing or anything like that; people just know we are here near the gate. It’s a lot of work keeping the inventory fresh and making sure we have enough stock for the weekend rush. Every morning I sweep the front and start getting things ready for the first few people who show up looking for tea or sugar.