For most of his 73 years, Shivnat Rai Jadav tended a herd of cows and buffaloes in Bara Bazaar, Kolkata. When forced to move his herd outside of the city, ten years ago, Jadhav took up a new profession, using his milk to brew thick masala chai, which has now become a staple for many in the area. This is just one of the many interesting stories that Zach Marks (26) and Resham Gellatly (25) have been encountering ever since they have been charting the length and breadth of India to bring forth stories of chaiwallahs from the country’s many distinct regions.

Bishwanath Ghosh has been perfecting his pour at Kolkata’s Ghosh Cabin for over 40 years