The Chhole-Kulcha Cart and the Struggle
On a bustling city street—amidst the roar of traffic and the rush of passersby—Sunita-ji sets up her cart in a corner. As the clock strikes ten in the morning, the delicious aroma wafting from her cart draws pedestrians in, compelling them to stop. For the past decade, Sunita-ji has been supporting her family by selling delicious chole (spicy chickpea curry) and piping-hot kulchas (soft flatbreads) from this very cart.
A Story of Struggle and Self-Reliance
Sunita-ji’s journey was not easy. A few years ago, when her husband passed away suddenly, the entire responsibility of raising their two children fell upon her shoulders. Initially, she faced social pressure and financial hardship, but she refused to give up. Instead of seeking help from others, she decided to start her own small business. She learned how to make chole-kulcha from an old acquaintance of her husband and had a cart built using borrowed money.
The hallmarks of Sunita-ji’s cart are the exquisite taste of her food and her ever-smiling face. Her chole are neither too spicy nor bland—they feature the perfect blend of spices. Finely chopped onions, fresh coriander, lemon juice, and a tangy-sweet tamarind chutney further enhance the flavor. Enjoying them with soft, buttered kulchas is truly a delightful experience.
By afternoon, a crowd of schoolchildren, college students, and office-goers gathers at her cart. Sunita-ji interacts with every customer with great warmth; some call her 'Chachi' (Aunt) and others 'Didi' (Sister), and she serves everyone with genuine affection. It is precisely because of this affable nature that she is held in high regard by neighboring shopkeepers and regular customers alike.
Today, thanks to the earnings from this street cart, she has been able to provide a good education for both her children. Her son has completed his college education, and her daughter, too, is academically bright. Sunita-ji’s cart is more than just a place where chhole-kulche are sold; it stands as living proof that with genuine dedication and the drive to work hard, one can shape their own destiny, even in the most challenging circumstances.
| Photos captured by | @reetuahlawat |
|---|---|
| Camera Device | POCO M4 Pro Rear Camera 12MP |
| Lens | Default |
| Category | Photography, Flowers, Beauty of Nature |
| Location | India |
| Edited | Captured one |
| Thanks for visiting my post |  |
Me identifiqué mucho con lo que contaste. Todos tenemos esos momentos que después recordamos con nostalgia.
Ay, qué rico se ve eso. Ahora tengo hambre y son las 11 de la noche, gracias jaja.