Sree Nakoda Saree Centre

Sree Nakoda Saree Centre is right here on South Masi Street, tucked into Nalla Thannir Kinathu Lane. It's a small place, number 5, and it’s been in the family for a bit. We carry all sorts of sarees, mostly stuff for daily wear or small functions. My uncle started it and now I spend most of my time here folding and unfolding fabric for customers. The lane can get pretty crowded during the day, especially with all the foot traffic, so it’s not the quietest spot to work. We have a lot of regular ladies who come in because they know we have decent stock and don't try to overcharge them. Some days are slow and we just sit and talk with the neighbors. Other days, like during festivals, it’s a total mess in here with boxes everywhere. We don't have those big bright lights like the showrooms, just simple fans and enough light to see the colors properly. Choosing a saree takes time, so we let people look through the piles at their own pace. Sometimes the kids run around while their mothers are looking at silks or cottons. It’s a simple shop, nothing too special to look at from the outside, but we’ve got what people need. We keep the shutters open from morning till late evening. It's a lot of standing around, but it's what we do to keep the shop going.