Kaashika Saloon

Kaashika Saloon is situated in Raha Bazar, right in the Nadesar area of Varanasi. If you know where Takshal Cinema is, we are just opposite that building. It is a very busy part of the city with rickshaws and motorbikes constantly passing by. The shop has been here long enough that the paint on the walls is a bit old, but we keep the chairs clean. Most men come in for a quick shave or a standard haircut before they head to work. We see a lot of people who come to watch movies at the cinema across the street too. The noise from the traffic is always there in the background, but you get used to it after a while. We don't do anything complicated, just the usual stuff that people need. Our tools are simple and we keep them sharp. Varanasi can be very dusty, so we spend a lot of time wiping down the glass. There is no fancy waiting area, just a couple of plastic stools for whoever is next. The light inside is a bit dim but it works for us. We talk a lot about local news and whatever is happening in Nadesar. It feels like a small community even though the city is so huge. We just open the shutters in the morning and stay until the last customer leaves. The tea stall next door is where most people get a cup while they wait. We aren't trying to be the most modern place in Varanasi, we just want to be a reliable spot in Raha Bazar.