Winter days are great time to socialize. Even in this digital era, last dew days was quite engaging. I had some good conversation with different minds either over a cup of tea or just near a snacks kiosk. It is the time of the year, when people like to come out of their home to soak in sun. After completing their daily chores they make sure to spend some time outside. Be it ladies at home or old person or kids or office employee. They take out some time get the sun ray and in process do socialize with other people of their locality. In big cities, people used to go to rooftop or spend time in balcony. But not in small cities, where there are enough space for general public. Today, so far, my morning began with some public talks and then over a small kiosks in the nook.
Tea has been a hot selling beverages during winter. You will find many tea stall on the street. The scene is common everywhere. There is no partiality over tea between big cities or small town of India. The only difference is in the quality. I find the tea of small town much better than big cities. I enjoy tea made up in clay vessel. There is one shop nearby who has good crowd for tea since early morning.
Tea brewed in clay pots tastes much better than anything else. Tea brewed in a clay pot has a deeper and richer flavor as the pot itself becomes a part of the tea's flavor. It has the unique Earthy Aroma, that make the tea taste better. The porous nature of clay absorbs the oils and aromas of the tea leaves, giving the tea a deep, rich and unique flavor, and this flavor accumulates in the vessel over time, giving a better experience each time, which is not possible with glass or steel vessels.
The crowded place at the local tea shop is good to meet different mind. A place where people easily connect over any topic, especially newspaper headlines. As the bright sun comes out the 'nook' store becomes a center of assembly. While the women like to soak in the open ground, men prefer the small kiosks at nook to meet people. I happen to be in one such kiosk.
The Vibrant General Store
The temporary built up shops cater the daily need of the community. These small shops operate from early 6 AM to late 11PM. Unlike big stores, they do not have any restrictions. The community people feel like it to be their own stores. The shopkeeper used to be friendlier nature and enjoy chit-chatting with their customer. These shops is stocked with various products, including numerous packets of snacks and chips other items. The shop is open fronted, with a blue and yellow color scheme that immediately draws the eye. The use bright colors are characteristic of local commerce in many regions of India.
The storefront is adorned with numerous packets of snacks, hanging from lines, creating a colorful curtain of merchandise. These types of shops typically stock a wide range of items, including water, snacks, candies, chocolates, and soft drinks. They mostly have the packaged food along with dairy products and breads. They remain bustling with people now and then. I assume they have more daily sells than any average grocery store.
These kind of shops can be found at every nook of the locality. The above image provides a rare glimpse into our everyday life, showcasing the simple yet essential role these small, independent stores play in the community. They serve as convenient hubs for daily necessities and quick snack bites. These place also becomes a hot spot for people to assemble and enjoy a bright sunny day. People know how to stay happy and socialize in smaller town and cities. They do have meaningful conversation while enjoying the bright sunny day.
On my way back to room, met this little balloon seller. He is camera shy and start smiling once I try to click. But he has a charming smile on his face just like the balloons. They walk street to street during the winter time to sell their balloon. They know how to get the customers, when the public were outside and kids were enjoying under the sun, they make their money.
In good faith - Peace!!
