A Plate with a Dish of Many Dreams: An Interview with Maheshbhai Jaggubhai Kumar

(INTERVIEW FEATURE)

As the sun rises over the Riverfront Market in Raikhad, Ahmedabad, the vibrant Gujari Bazaar comes to life. Known as a bustling weekend market, this lively hub is where one can find anything from fresh eatables to antique treasures.

Among the many vendors setting up their stalls, we met Maheshbhai Jaggubhai Kumar, dedicated crockery seller, who shared his journey with us.

                           

Question) How long have you been selling crockery at Gujari Bazaar?

Maheshbhai: I've been in this trade since I was very young. I started by helping my father arrange and collect crockery for our stall. It’s been a family business for years, and I’ve continued it, just as my father did before me.

Question) Where do you source your crockery from?

Maheshbhai: All our dinner sets and crockery sets come from Delhi. Each set costs us around ₹2000 to ₹2500. We offer a variety of products, from steel to glass and ceramic crockery. We also stock casseroles and food containers that are non-stick and perfect for safely storing food items.

Question) Gujari Bazaar is known for its weekend hustle. What’s it like selling here?

Maheshbhai: Gujari Bazaar is indeed special. It’s a weekend market, so we only open on Sundays. On Sundays, you can find almost anything here—eatables, clothes, antiques, and modern furniture, all neatly arranged. We usually get around 10-15 customers visiting our stall each Sunday. Since the market is closed on weekdays, I have to find other work to support my family.

Question) We hear that your family is involved in more than just crockery. Can you tell us about that?

Maheshbhai: Yes, besides crockery, we’ve started a small business selling bedsheets and blankets. Our cotton bedsheets, which are bought in bulk from the wholesale market in Panchkua, Ahmedabad, are quite popular. They cost around ₹350 each and are made from pure cotton, offering great comfort to our customers at a reasonable price.

Question) How do you manage your time between the stall and other responsibilities?

Maheshbhai: We work at our stall from 8 in the morning until 6 in the evening. After that, we head back to our homes. My brother also helps with the stall and manages his studies alongside. It’s a busy life, but we make it work.

Question) Thank you for sharing your story with us. It’s clear that your work is more than just a job—it’s a legacy.

Maheshbhai: Thank you for your interest. This work has been our livelihood for years, and we’re proud of what we do. We’re happy to share our story with you.

As we wrapped up our conversation, it was clear that Maheshbhai’s stall is more than just a place to buy crockery; it’s a testament to the hard work and dreams of a family dedicated to their craft. The Riverfront Market, with its vibrant energy and unique vendors like Maheshbhai, remains a true gem in Ahmedabad.