Varanasi's iconic Pahalwan Lassi and 100-year-old Chachi Ki Kachori shops demolished; Owner Manoj Yadav watched silently

Time of India

18-06-2025

Why Pehelwan Lassi and Chachi Ki Kachorishops were removed
Shopkeepers react as bulldozers arrive
— Benarasiyaa (@Benarasiyaa)
— Benarasiyaa (@Benarasiyaa)
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Pehelwan Lassi: A Varanasi staple for decades
Chachi Ki Kachori: A taste from the past now gone
Shops belonged to temple trust, compensation to follow
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Authorities in Varanasi reportedly demolished 30 shops late Tuesday night near the Lanka crossing area, including two of the city's most iconic food outlets, the 75-year-old Pehelwan Lassi shop and the 108-year-old Chachi Ki Kachori , as part of a road widening project. As per local media reports, the move is part of a Rs 241.80 crore plan to build a 9.512 km four-lane road from Lahartara to Vijaya Mall. Officials have confirmed that compensation will be given to those affected.The Public Works Department had marked the shops and houses for demolition a month ago after carrying out land measurements. The stretch, which runs through Bhelupur and Lanka, is frequently congested. The government decided to expand the road to reduce traffic jams in the area.When the demolition began, Pehelwan Lassi's owner Manoj Yadav stood silently in front of his shop, folded his hands in prayer, bowed to the ground, and watched as the bulldozer brought the structure down. Other shopkeepers rushed to remove shutters and electric meters before the demolition began. Many expressed concern about their livelihoods.One shopkeeper said, 'We don't know how we will manage our business from now on. Shops these days are available at rents starting from ₹20,000 to ₹25,000 per month, which is unaffordable for most of us.'Established 75 years ago, Pehelwan Lassi was famous not only in the city but also among international tourists from countries like the US, Australia, and Japan. It served eight types of lassi priced between ₹30 and ₹180, prepared in traditional clay cups with a mix of curd, cream, and rabri.The shop was located slightly ahead of the Lanka crossing towards Assi. It had earned praise from several prominent leaders including Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath , Home Minister Amit Shah, Smriti Irani, and former CM Akhilesh Yadav.Another famous outlet that was demolished is Chachi Ki Kachori, a 108-year-old eatery known for its double-layered asafoetida and lentil-filled kachoris served with pumpkin curry and matka jalebi on leaf plates. Long lines were a regular sight outside the stall.This shop had its own unique identity — known as the only place where kachoris were served with sharp-tongued remarks from the late 'Chachi,' which became part of its local charm. Bureaucrats, politicians, chefs, film celebrities, and YouTubers all visited the place.All the demolished shops were owned by the family of the head priest of the Sankat Mochan Temple and were rented out to vendors. The district administration has confirmed that all affected shopkeepers will be compensated. A survey is currently underway to determine the amounts.Construction of the widened road is expected to begin shortly. The stretch has long been a traffic bottleneck. While authorities hope the project will ease congestion, many displaced vendors are still uncertain about where they will restart their businesses.