Haribahadur Tamang’s Journey to Happiness Through Sweet Shop Business
April 23, Ilam — When Haribahadur Tamang opened his shop in 1993 (2050 BS), the Fikkal market in Ilam was nothing like the bustling area it is today. The narrow roads, small settlements, and modest houses set a very different scene. He recalls, “There were no roads in the village and very few snack shops in the market. People who came on foot used to eat their snacks and meals right at my shop.”
For over three decades, he has been running his sweet shop in Fikkal market, located in ward number 10 of Suryaodaya Municipality. He shares proudly that through hard work in Nepal, selling sweets has brought him happiness and livelihood. His business flourished from the morning right up to 2001 BS (1954 AD). During that time, he purchased a house in the Terai region and acquired three plots of land near Fikkal’s New Chowk area.
He also succeeded in educating two daughters abroad in the United States and Australia. His youngest daughter is currently studying Chartered Accountancy and a BBIS degree in Kathmandu, funded by the income from this shop. “The house in Birtamod, Jhapa, and the lands at New Chowk were all possible because of the business back then,” he explained. “I started the shop in 1993 with an investment of 22,000 rupees, paying 200 rupees monthly rent. Even when selling snacks that filled the stomach for just five rupees, I was able to earn money. I have provided stability for my daughters and earned happiness by selling sweets.”
His shop, Janata Misthan Bhandar, is still operating today, though the profit margin is not what it once was. Tamang says, “Prices have risen. I am in the process of buying supplies now. Customers still come, but competition is fierce, as there are many shops now. Nevertheless, I manage to save 60-70 thousand rupees.” He attributes his daughters’ bright futures to his honest mindset and continuous hard work.
“I sent my eldest daughter to the U.S. after nursing studies in Kathmandu. My middle daughter is in Australia, and the youngest is studying Chartered Accountancy and BBIS here in Kathmandu. I feel very satisfied,” he shared emotionally. To support his daughters’ education, he even sold the house he had built in Birtamod.
The nature of business has changed over time. About 20 years ago, his shop moved from the Pashupatinagar area of Fikkal to beneath the Ilam STEN in the market. Items that once cost five rupees are now priced at 150 rupees. The shop offers an array of snacks including samosas, sel roti, puri, laddus, khurma, rasbari, jeri, and bhujia, and currently employs two staff members.
He adds, “Competition has grown and customer preferences have shifted. Many sell alcohol now, but I have never sold liquor, tobacco, or cigarettes.” Around 1985 (2042 BS), he ran a rickshaw in Kankadbhitta, Jhapa, gaining the trust of 600 workers to become the treasurer of the Rickshaw Union. After working in a hotel for a period, he started the sweet shop and remains dedicated to it today. Despite aging, his passion for work remains strong. “You can’t live without working, but nowadays, young people don’t want to work this hard,” he observes.
The historic Gorkhe market was the commercial hub back then, where people had to carry heavy loads to shop for goods. “We used to carry heavy loads early in the morning to Fikkal. We would go to Hari’s sweet shop to have snacks. These people are from an earlier time and still do business the same way,” recounts 76-year-old Veerbahadur Rai from Gorkhe. “Even today, when I visit Fikkal, I don’t leave without eating samosas at Hari’s shop.”