Explore Tastes and Traditions at Local Indian Market

For those not familiar Indian culture, walking through the front doors of will feel like a new world full of vibrant flavor and flair.

Located in the Cherrywood Center on Decoto Road, the local market is one of several hubs for Union City’s growing Indian community. The store is laden with India spices, fresh vegetables, frozen Indian treats, CDs, DVDs and more.

To always greet you with a smile and a wave are owners Seema and Jagdeep Singh Takyar.

The amiable, turbaned merchant and his slim, attractive wife relish in talking with their transplanted countrymen and women. Roshni, which fittingly means “light” in various Indian dialects, is popular with the Indian community, who appreciate the spices and foodstuffs popular in their culture. Samosas, a potato-stuffed treat, are displayed on the front counter. Garlic naan, a traditional Indian bread, can be found in the frozen foods section.

On the other side of the store is a trendy boutique of the latest fashions from overseas. Bangles galore are on display as are more bracelets and earrings. Colorful saris and salwar kameez, types of Indian dresses, fill the room. In the fabric shop, customers can also have their saris and clothing custom-made via their wide selection of materials.

Non-Indian customers also frequent the store to marvel at the exotic atmosphere of Roshni’s. It’s an opportunity to get an authentic taste of India from two of the people who know it best.

The Takyars are natives of Ludhiana, Punjab, India. They immigrated to the U.S. five years ago with their two sons. Belief in the quality of life in this country and a wish to be near relatives who already lived here prompted the move, they said.

Their adventurous spirit led them to settle in Union City where the Takyars, now transformed into entrepreneurs, bought Roshni Fabrics and Indian Groceries some five years ago.

In India, Jagdeep was a practicing architect. His wife earned a master’s degree in music as well as a teaching degree. Her musical instrument of choice is the sitar, but she rarely has time to play, she said.

While still fairly new to the U.S., the couple says they enjoy being near their extended family and the local community. Their two sons, Vardeep, Singh, 23, and Jardeep Singh, 21 years, have also settled well in the Bay Area. The elder son graduated from CSU East Bay and is studying to be a CPA while Jardeep is currently a student at Chabot Community College majoring in industrial design.

To meet the friendly owners and explore the tastes and traditions of India, visit Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. at 2633 Decoto Rd.