People say that two businesses will never fail in India. One is textiles, as people never wish to be out of fashion, and the second is food, as people will never starve to death. The latter is the reason why NRIs and MBAs from major business schools become chaiwalas, and eventually they become successful. Despite criticism of opening a Chai ka Dukaan they continue. Why? Because they gave birth to a cash cow that can make you quick bucks.
Built on this premise is Lashkari Radhe Shyam, a bootstrapped chaiwala startup that recently began as a pop-up venture during Magh Mela 2026. The venture was by Harsh Pandey, a young working professional who was tiding through monotonous corporate work culture and wanting to leverage his entrepreneurial mindset. And little did he understand that the pilgrimage event at Prayagraj would become his launchpad.
Below is an excerpt of Harsh Pandey sharing his thoughtful venture
The opportunity
In 2026, during the sacred gathering of Magh Mela 2026, I decided to step beyond being just a visitor. I chose to become a contributor. While millions arrived in Prayagraj seeking spiritual cleansing and devotion, I saw an opportunity to serve them warmth—one cup of chai at a time.
A hurdle to cross
I spent eight days surveying the mela grounds, trying to secure a registered stall. My application was rejected. For a moment, I felt stuck. But I was determined that I would not leave the mela without building something. Looking at the sea of pilgrims, workers, and travelers, one thing became obvious—in a gathering of lakhs, tea is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.
Innovating with limited resources
With just one kettle, I began walking through the mela, selling tea myself. On the first day, I sold 420 cups at ₹10 each — earning ₹4,200. That number gave me validation. The demand was real. I quickly scaled operations. I hired four local helpers, printed branded T-shirts, and gave the venture a local emotional identity — “Lashkari – Radhe Shyam” Tea. We focused on speed, consistency, and hygiene. Daily sales soon touched ₹15,000. By the end of the mela, total revenue reached approximately ₹4,50,000. After deducting raw materials, wages, and operational costs, I took home ₹2,15,000 in net profit.
The journey, execution & human connection
Setting up a tea stall at Magh Mela was not just a business decision; it was an experience in resilience, faith, and grassroots entrepreneurship. The scale of the event was overwhelming—endless tents, continuous chants, freezing early mornings, and lakhs of pilgrims walking miles after taking a dip at the Sangam. Amidst this spiritual energy, a simple cup of hot chai became more than a beverage. It became comfort.
The journey was not easy. From arranging raw materials and managing logistics in a temporary settlement to waking up before sunrise in biting cold, every day tested discipline and consistency. Hygiene, taste, and quick service became my core focus because at such gatherings, trust spreads faster than marketing.
What made the venture meaningful was human connection. I served saints, families, workers, volunteers, and travelers from across India. Conversations over chai revealed stories of faith, struggle, hope, and gratitude. That’s when I realized—entrepreneurship is not just about profit; it is about impact.
Managing financials
Financially, the venture taught me cost management, pricing strategy, demand fluctuation, and real-time problem-solving. Emotionally, it strengthened my confidence. It proved that with courage and execution, even a temporary setup in a massive religious congregation can turn into a powerful learning ground.
Magh Mela gave me more than revenue—it gave me perspective. Sometimes, the smallest ventures brew the strongest lessons.
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