Paan (Betel Leaf) Seller in Old Delhi
This image of Panna Lal, the Paan Seller was taken near Jama Masjid at the corner of Dariba Kalan in the Chandni Chowk area of Old Delhi. Paan is a digestive made from betel leaf (seen floating in water in bucket) with other ingredients added to state. Some of these are seen in the image. Panna Lal sits with his box on the street, has been here for nearly 22 years doing the same business. He also owns a bakery shop, located just behind where he sits. During Diwali, he rents it out to others to sell fireworks. He says he too sell fireworks himself from 2010 onwards. Currently, this little Paan business makes more money than his bakery. Click on the image for a larger view.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
This is a great photograph! Loved the round box he is sitting with, which has Saraswati’s image on it. Reminds me of Chaina Ram’s dibbas( again old Delhi), in which they sell karachi halwa…those too have images of gods & goddesses & are almost a collectors’ items.
Great Pic Ajay,
This scene can be seen on any street in India but this is the first time I have seen such a beautiful picture of its kind.
Thanks Shailendra…appreciate your feedback.
Thanks Kanika. And I will look out for these Karachi Halwa sellers the next time I go to Old Delhi.