The retail and culinary landscape of Vidarbha is shaped not only by modern malls and supermarkets but also by traditional shops that have become integral to the region’s cultural fabric. These establishments hold strong connections to the people, whether through sweets, snacks, or khadi cloth. They represent how commerce and community have long been intertwined in the region’s urban and rural settings. '

Each outlet carries its own story, shaped by history, geography, and the people who built and patronised it. Together, they show how local enterprises evolved into iconic names with reputations that extend well beyond their immediate towns. Vidarbha continues to be known for its agricultural output and cultural identity, but these shops reveal another side of its history, one that is based on everyday consumption and identity.

1. Haldiram’s, Nagpur

Haldiram’s in Nagpur stands as one of the most recognisable names in Indian snacks and sweets. The brand traces its origin back to Bikaner, but in Nagpur, it grew into a separate business unit under the leadership of Shiv Kishan Agrawal. The stores in Sitabuldi and Sadar became landmarks for visitors and locals alike. Their offerings range from orange burfi, which reflects Nagpur’s association with the orange fruit, to large thalis and a wide variety of snacks that cater to both locals and tourists. The Nagpur unit gained such prominence that it eventually merged with the Delhi branch at the group level, strengthening the Haldiram name nationwide. Today, the Sitabuldi and Sadar outlets continue to serve thousands of customers daily, acting as both a retail space and an eatery.

Their longevity and consistent quality have helped them become deeply embedded in the city’s daily life. Haldiram’s in Nagpur has also helped the city earn the title of being the headquarters of one of India’s most famous food brands.

2. Shree Heera Sweets, Nagpur

Shree Heera Sweets is one of the oldest sweet shops in Nagpur, with outlets in Sitabuldi and Itwari. The Sitabuldi shop, located on Abhyankar Road, has served generations of Nagpur residents who continue to associate the shop with festive purchases and family occasions. Known particularly for its orange barfi and son roll, the shop retains a loyal customer base despite the rise of numerous modern sweet brands. The distinctive flavours and traditional preparation methods have set the store apart, ensuring its sweets are regularly carried by travellers to other states as gifts. The store’s longevity comes not just from its recipes but also from its ability to remain consistent while expanding its outlets.

It has witnessed the changing demographics of Nagpur while continuing to be a place where families gather for purchases. The shop is now a household name in the city, retaining its importance during festivals and weddings where sweets continue to play a central role.

3. Magan Khadi, Sevagram, Wardha

Located in Sevagram, Wardha, Magan Khadi is closely linked with Mahatma Gandhi’s vision for self-reliance. The store forms part of Magan Sangrahalaya, a museum founded by Gandhi in 1938 to showcase village industries. This store remains one of the most important centres for khadi in Maharashtra, producing and selling handspun and handwoven cloth. Unlike modern textile outlets, Magan Khadi emphasises seed-to-fabric processes, where cotton is sourced locally and turned into cloth through traditional spinning and weaving. Customers visit the store not just for khadi garments but also to connect with an institution that represents India’s independence movement and Gandhian ideals.

Khadi from Magan Khadi is often bought by political leaders and visitors to Sevagram Ashram, keeping the store’s national relevance intact. Its survival and continued presence highlight the persistence of traditional industries even as modern fabrics dominate the market. For the people of Wardha and visitors from outside Vidarbha, Magan Khadi represents history, ideology, and commerce coming together in one space.

4. Shegaon Kachori, Shegaon, Buldhana District

Shegaon Kachori is one of the most recognisable street food brands in Maharashtra. The origin of the Shegaon kachori can be traced back to a stall near the railway station in the post-independence years. Over time, this simple snack became synonymous with the town itself, attracting travellers who made it a point to buy kachoris during train halts. The popularity of the Shegaon kachori grew so strong that it developed into a large network of outlets both in Shegaon and in nearby towns. The kachori is characterised by its spicy filling and crispy outer layer, which distinguishes it from similar snacks in other parts of the country. Today, Shegaon kachori stalls are more than just food stops; they are destinations for those travelling through Vidarbha. The growth of this snack into a regional identity shows how local entrepreneurship can transform a simple product into a symbol.

It also continues to be a source of income for small vendors and a major draw for religious pilgrims visiting Shegaon.

5. Rathi Pedewala, Akola

Rathi Pedewala is a sweets and namkeen brand based in Akola that has been a fixture of the city for decades. Known for its laddus, pedas, and seasonal items, the brand has expanded from a single outlet into multiple locations across Akola. Its products remain tied to family celebrations and traditional ceremonies in the region. For Akola residents, Rathi Pedewala stands as a reliable name when it comes to high-quality sweets. The brand also caters to customers outside the city, with its pedas often carried as gifts by travellers. Its presence reflects the strong cultural association between Vidarbha towns and their traditional sweet shops. Despite increased competition from large national brands, Rathi Pedewala continues to thrive by maintaining its local reputation.

The shop is seen as part of the city’s identity, often cited by residents when speaking about Akola’s specialities.

Shops such as these offer a detailed picture of Vidarbha’s cultural and economic history. They show how businesses, whether large brands like Haldiram’s or single-town icons like Shegaon Kachori, continue to influence daily life. These establishments form part of the social routines of residents and the travel experiences of visitors.

They are remembered for the products they sell but also for the connections they fostered between generations of people. The growth of these shops illustrates how tradition and commerce intersect in towns and cities across Vidarbha. They continue to exist not only as retail spaces but also as part of the living memory of the communities they serve.