Sanjay Brijesh Pan Bhandar

Our pan shop is a small spot on Nh56 in Shivpur, right across from Hewel Hospital. In Varanasi, a pan bhandar is more than just a place to buy something. It is where people stop for a few minutes to take a break from their day. Being opposite the hospital means we get a lot of people who are waiting for news or just need a moment away from the wards. We prepare the pan fresh for every person, just the way they like it. We also keep some basic things like cigarettes, matches, and maybe some candies. It is a very small shop, basically just a counter and some shelves, but it keeps us busy from morning until night. The traffic on the Nh56 is always moving, and we see thousands of people go by every day. Sanjay and Brijesh are the ones usually here, chatting with the regulars and making sure the betel leaves are fresh and cold. We don't have any big goals of becoming a huge chain or anything. We just like our spot across from the hospital and the people we meet. It is a simple trade that has been in the family for a while. We don't use any computers or machines. Everything is done by hand, from mixing the lime to folding the leaves. It is a bit messy, but it is honest work and it keeps us going.