Kasim Silk Emporium

Kasim Silk Emporium is located at J-3/50-51 in the Katehar area, which is right behind the old Yamuna Talkies in Pilikothi. The location is deep in the heart of the old city where the lanes are narrow and always full of people. We have a large collection of silks and fabrics stored here. The building is quite old and has that specific smell of textiles and dust that you find in these kinds of places. We have been here for generations, and the shop has seen a lot of changes in the neighborhood. Even though the cinema isn't what it used to be, people still use it as a landmark to find us. Inside, we have stacks of cloth reaching almost to the ceiling. We spend our days unrolling fabric for visitors and measuring out lengths with a wooden meter rod. It’s a lot of physical work, especially when the weather is humid and the air doesn't move much. We have a few old wooden benches for people to sit on while they look at the patterns. It isn't a modern store with air conditioning and bright lights. We use old tube lights and open the windows to let some air in from the street. The road outside is usually blocked by rickshaws and carts, making it a bit of a challenge to get large deliveries through. But we manage, just like everyone else around here. It’s a lively place.