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The Hindu
The Hindu
National
Athira M

Regular customers of K Chandran’s tea shop in Thiruvananthapuram have formed close-knit communities

Thiruvananthapuram SREEJITH R KUMAR

Every neighbourhood in Kerala has that ubiquitous chayakkada (tea shop). Over here people bond over several cups of tea [and coffee], discussing everything from politics to family.

At Chinthya - Oru Chayakkada run by K Chandran near Raja Kesavadas NSS Higher Secondary School, Sasthamangalam, customers are connected through the day, not just over tea. Chandran’s huge clientele over the last three decades has led to the formation of several WhatsApp groups and friends’ collectives comprising his faithful customers. Morning Friends, Oru Chaya Koottayma (OCK) and Chandrankadayile Chayakoottayma are some of the groups.

Crowd at Chinthya tea shop Sasthamangalam. (Source: Aswin V N)
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