The Sun over head with moderately crowded streets and
the working people, often seen with sweat drops on their face marks the regular
working day time into the streets of Saqlaini area. People are involved in diverse
jobs like hawking and other traditional employable options. Out of these, the snacks
corners attract high frequency population. In India it could be small enterprise
with numerous entrepreneurs!
It’s the bread and butter that force
people to come out and try different occupations. Some are traditional workers
like rickshaw pullers, labors, servants, electricians, vendors, etc. But there are
no less people who have taken up their business to new heights with the “change
is constant” concept. This marks the presence of showrooms in the constrained streets.
My journey began on the rickshaw,
who agreed to cover up 1.5 km with a fellow partner with me, for just Rs.5
each. ? My rickshaw-puller had won me and the other fellow after competing with
other co-workers, to take us in afternoon with Sun overhead. This fellow
partner was unknown to me as this is how they conduct their business, and earn.
The street was filled with shops, some permanent while some still temporary.
May be this show the earning level of the shopkeeper?
This was a Muslim majority area
hence the culture in streets was matching that of the Muslim community. There were
many mosques, each having same structure but differ in design. Most of them
were decorated with colorful tiles and marbles on ground. These people look like
the busy ones so they have bought the God near them!
The presence of Zari-Zardosi and surma
shops reminded me of the most famous in-hand skill of the people of Bareilly. As
the mobile users have increased so is the no. of recharge, download, and repair
shops. The paan corners that sell cigarette, gutkha, etc. have also seen an
increase. The market has many garments and other fancy items shops like jewelry,
make-up kits etc. In the noon, the vendors serve breakfast and rice. The
evening time shifts the public to the kewab and Non-vegetarian restaurants,
which were really awesome.
Out of all these shops few caught
my special attention. Like a TV mechanic keeping egg trays to sell on the
counter. A lassi corner owner had indicated that he also book orders for
marriages/parties. Seems like, irrespective of their education, they know how
to promote their brand. I was confused whether to call the zari centre, a shop
or a showroom? They were well versed with everything that makes up a showroom. They
had ACs, glass doors, and wonderful displays.
Another thing that caught my awareness
was that almost every residence had a shop and the residents used to live at
the first or even second floor. It was not hard to find a whole complex build
up.
Among all the things, how can I forget
to mention the great Indian roads? But one may easily be lost in the crowd and
the self-sufficient market that has producers, suppliers, and consumers too. This
place has everything that a common man needs- fruits, daily need items, mechanic,
labor, restaurant, etc.