Dharam Chand Ladha Mal

Our shop is tucked away at 471-73 in Khari Baoli. If you have ever been to this part of Delhi, you know it is one of the busiest places on earth. The narrow lanes are always packed with people, rickshaws, and those big handcarts carrying sacks of goods. We’ve been in this spot for a long time. It’s a bit cramped inside because we have so much stuff packed onto the shelves, reaching all the way to the ceiling. You can always smell the spices and grains in the air here; it’s a scent that sticks to your clothes. We open up early and usually stay until the market starts to quiet down in the evening. There isn't much space for a desk, so we usually sit on small stools and do our work right there. It’s a very traditional way of doing business. We know the other shopkeepers around us, and we often share tea or help each other out when things get too crowded. Dealing with the 471-73 units means we have a bit more room than some of the tiny stalls, but it still feels small when a big shipment arrives. We don’t use any complicated systems. It is mostly about remembering where everything is and keeping our regulars happy. It's noisy, dusty, and loud, but it is home for us. Khari Baoli has a spirit you don't find anywhere else.