Ahmedabad (Gujarat): Every city in the world is famous for its local market known for the unique merchandise it sells. While Surat has the Ponk Bazaar, where a seasonal delicacy made from jawar (barley) is sold, Ratanpol in Ahmedabad is famous for wedding outfits. But another lesser-known bazaar in Ahmedabad is helping numerous women become financially independent.
Over the years, Ahmedabad's shopping malls and supermarkets have become a major attraction for tourists, where besides a variety of merchandise, there are also food outlets serving a range of products.
However, Ahmedabad also has a lesser known market, where rotis (flat bread) are churned out throughout the day.
Though rotis are a staple in Indian diet, people with busy work schedules find it extremely challenging to make rotis on a daily basis. Similarly, canteen owners and those who provide home delivery of meals also find it tedious to make a large number of rotis. Making rotis to meet a tall order during the marriage season can also be a challenging proposition.
The women of Ahmedabad, however, found a profitable opportunity in the business of making rotis in bulk, leading to the existence of the roti bazaar.
The roti bazaar is situated right opposite the Jamalpur Darwaja, near the city's Jagannath temple. Rotis are made from the verandah of houses located in a narrow lane right from the morning. As soon as one enters the lane, the aroma of fresh rotis welcomes them in.
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"I have been making rotis for the past 30-35 years. I have no one in my family, and was going through a tough time. So I decided to start working on this business," said a roti seller.
Another roti-seller, a victim of the horrific 2002 riots, said the business is helping her survive."I somehow make ends meet by selling rotis. I had lost my son in 2002. Now there is no one to support me except the almighty. I'm able to make around Rs 100-200 per day," she said.
The rotis have been acting as a saviour for various working-professionals, college students, and even those suffering from illness. One can get various kinds of curries from eateries - right from roadside dhabas to posh hotels, and can get rotis at just Rs 2 apiece from the bazaar.
"We do not have the time because of our work. We also fall sick sometimes. So these ready-to-eat rotis help us a lot," said a regular customer.
Women of eight to ten families living in this lane are engaged full time in making rotis. The rotis made here are supplied to restaurants and hotels in Jamalpur, Kalupur, Paldi, Bhattha and even as far as in Saraspur. Roadside eateries too procure rotis from here. These women also cater to big party orders. Today, the roti bazaar provides employment to over 700 women, 250 of which are engaged full time. On an average, the bazaar makes 4,000 rotis every day. During the festival season however, the number doubles.
