Shiva Handicrafts

You can find Shiva Handicrafts at 117, Bhatiyani Chohata, which is very close to the Laxmi Temple. The bells from the temple are something we hear all day long while we work. This area has a lot of history and we feel like we are just one small part of it. Our shop is packed from floor to ceiling with things we’ve made over the months. It’s a bit tight in here, especially when more than two people are walking around, but we manage just fine. We don't spend money on fancy displays or lighting. Most of our time is spent sitting on the floor or at the old wooden benches working on the next piece. My father started this many years ago and I just took over because it’s what I know how to do. We don't use big machines; mostly it’s just hand tools that have been around for ages. Sometimes we get tourists coming in after they visit the temple and other times it’s just locals looking for something for their homes. We don't make any big promises about being the best. We just do the work and hope people like what they see when they walk in. The street outside is narrow and can get crowded with cows and bikes. It’s a lively place to be every day and we enjoy the routine of it all.