Shree Mataji Kirana

Shree Mataji Kirana is on the Main Auwa Road in the Marwar area. It’s a busy road that connects the local villages, so we see a lot of tractors and motorbikes going past. I start my day early by opening the heavy metal shutters and sweeping the front step. The shop is filled with big bags of flour, lentils, and different types of rice. I spend a lot of time weighing things out on the scale for customers who only want a small amount. The shelves go all the way up, and I have to use a wooden pole to get some of the items down from the top. It smells like spices and laundry soap in here, which I’ve gotten used to over the years. The Auwa Road is always a bit dusty, so I have to keep the glass jars covered. There’s a ceiling fan that helps a bit when it gets hot in the afternoon. Most of the people who come here are farmers or families living nearby. I know most of them by name and we usually chat for a bit while I pack their groceries. I don't have any help, so I do everything myself from stocking the shelves to cleaning the floor. It’s a solid building and it does the job. I’ve been here for a long time and the shop hasn't changed much, which I think people like.