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JhaJi Store

Authentic Bihari pickles, handmade by rural women of Mithila

E-Commerce Food & Beverage
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Key Details

Founded: 2021

Location: Darbhanga, Bihar, India

Founder(s): Kalpana Jha, Uma Jha

Website: https://www.jhajistore.com/

Funding: Bootstrapped; received support from Shark Tank India judges in mid‑2022

About JhaJi Store

JhaJi Store is a women-led food startup from Darbhanga, Bihar, bringing the bold, traditional flavors of Mithilanchal to kitchens across India. Specializing in handmade, sun-dried, and preservative-free pickles, JhaJi has turned age-old recipes into a thriving D2C brand. Their authentic offerings celebrate the region’s culinary heritage — from tangy mango and jackfruit pickles to unique blends like Oal Barobar and Lahsun Mirch.

Founded by two homemakers, the brand started with just 10 jars and quickly scaled to ship over 1,00,000 units, all made by a collective of 50+ rural women. Their glass-packed pickles are lab-tested, shelf-stable for over a year, and deeply rooted in Bihar’s food traditions.

JhaJi Store isn’t just selling pickles — it’s preserving culture, empowering women, and redefining the taste of Bihar.

Teams

Kalpana Jha

Kalpana Jha

Co‑Founder

An MA in Psychology who turned her passion into purpose: preserving Mithila’s culinary heritage and empowering village women.

Uma Jha

Uma Jha

Co‑Founder

A former school teacher with a flair for cooking, Uma joined forces with Kalpana to turn recipes into a thriving social enterprise.

FAQs

What is JhaJi Store?
JhaJi Store is a women-led D2C pickle brand from Darbhanga, Bihar, offering handmade, sun-dried, preservative-free pickles using traditional Mithila recipes.
Are JhaJi pickles made with preservatives?
No. All JhaJi pickles are 100% natural — no artificial preservatives, colors, or chemicals. They’re made using mustard oil, natural spices, and sun-drying techniques.
What are JhaJi Store’s bestsellers?
Their most popular products include Mithila Mango Pickle, Kathal (Jackfruit) Pickle, Lahsun Mirch, and Oal Barobar (elephant foot yam + chili).
How long do the pickles last?
JhaJi pickles have a shelf life of up to 14 months. They are lab-tested and come in glass jars to maintain flavor, hygiene, and freshness.
Where do they ship?
JhaJi Store delivers across India through reliable courier partners. Orders typically arrive within 3–7 business days.
Is it a women-led business?
Yes. JhaJi Store is co-founded by two women — Kalpana Jha and Uma Jha — and employs over 50+ women from rural Bihar, empowering them through entrepreneurship.
How did JhaJi Store start?
It started in 2021 from the kitchens of Darbhanga, when two homemakers decided to bring authentic Bihari pickles to a wider audience — beginning with just 10 jars.