We at The Crazy Tales we bring you -The Journey of Jhaji Store: Bringing Mithila’s Flavors to Every Home
Darbhanga, the cultural heart of Bihar, is not only known for its rich traditions but has also given rise to two inspiring women entrepreneurs—Kalpana Jha and Uma Jha. With their venture, Jhaji Store, they have successfully brought the authentic flavors of Mithila’s traditional pickles to homes across India.
Image courtsy - Facebook/Jhaji Store
The Beginning of Jhaji Store -
Kalpana Jha, a postgraduate in psychology, returned to Darbhanga after her husband’s
retirement. Encouraged by her family, she decided to turn her passion for making pickles into a
business. She joined hands with her sister-in-law, Uma Jha, a teacher, and together, they
founded the Jhaji Store in October 2020.
The duo spent nearly six months preparing, acquiring necessary licenses, and perfecting their
recipes before officially launching their pickles for sale in June 2021. Initially, they started
production in their home’s lower section, making small batches using traditional methods.
The Shark Tank India Breakthrough
Jhaji Store’s dedication to authenticity and quality soon caught attention, leading them to Shark
Tank India Season 2. Their story resonated deeply with the investors, and their appearance on
the show helped them gain nationwide recognition. The brand’s commitment to preserving the
traditional flavors of Bihar, without artificial preservatives or chemicals, impressed many. Though
they did not secure funding, the exposure brought them a surge in demand, solidifying their
place in the Indian market.
What Makes Jhaji Pickles Special?
Jhaji Store’s pickles are more than just a food product—they are a taste of home for many. The
brand follows age-old recipes, ensuring that every jar carries the same flavor and nostalgia as
homemade pickles. Key aspects that set them apart include:
• Authentic Mithila Recipes – The pickles are made using traditional techniques
passed down through generations.
• Natural Sun Drying Process – Unlike mass-produced pickles, Jhaji pickles are
naturally sun-dried for weeks, enhancing their taste and longevity.
• No Artificial Preservatives – The brand maintains purity by using natural
ingredients without any chemicals.
• Women-Led Business – Jhaji Store is empowering women by providing
employment opportunities in rural Bihar.
• Handcrafted & Homemade Feel – Every jar of Jhaji pickle reflects the love and
care of homemade recipes, making them unique.
Jhaji Store and its Social Activities-
Jhaji Store has actively supported Influencer events, Contributing
to the platform’s success. They been part of many events and WOMEN LED INITIATIVES.
Jhaji Store’s Growing Popularity
Today, Jhaji Store is not just a small home-based business; it has grown into a recognized
brand, shipping pickles across India. With an expanding customer base and increasing demand,
Kalpana and Uma Jha have proven that passion, hard work, and authenticity can turn a simple
idea into a thriving enterprise.
Their journey serves as an inspiration to many aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women,
proving that with the right mindset and perseverance, even traditional skills can be transformed
into successful businesses.
Jhaji Store continues to preserve Bihar’s culinary heritage while paving the way for future
omen-led ventures in India. As Crazy Tales says, “A story can change your story”—and Jhaji has been an Inspiration.