Batish’s

I remember passing Batish on my way home from work back in the 80’s. But Saturday was the first time I stopped in. The family has had their business at this site since the late 60’s.
What a nice surprise, you enter by entering the driveway and parking in the back. You have to ring the bell. I know that sounds funny but this is a family business. Their main business is music, Satir classes. They have a recording studio and offer a wide variety of Indian music classes.
The family also performs worldwide at various festivals, including one in Santa Cruz at the Church Street Fair Aug 8 and 9. There was a CD playing when we were in the store which was really nice.
They also have a small selection of women’s clothing with traditional style clothing from India. There is also a small selection of Indian foods, spices, soaps and candles.
It’s worth checking out also see

Love this place. When I was a ucsc student I would always walk by Batish’s and wonder what was inside. Finally a few years after graduating I went in, curiosity finally winning me over and I was not disappointed! Beautiful scarves, colorful tapestries and my favorite– hard to find herbs and spices that you just can’t seem to get at grocery stores. I’ve never ventured into the back where the musical instruments are but I know the owner, Ashwin Batish, is a very accomplished musician. The owners wife (her name escapes me at the moment) is so sweet and I remember even at one time gave me invaluable advice for when cooking Dahl (if you want to know, add the turmeric at the very end so your stove’s hood doesn’t get stained yellow-it’s nearly impossible to get out). She even special ordered Aritha for me, which are soap nuts and very hard to find on this side of the hill. Overall a fantastic place and I can’t recommend this business enough– if you like supporting local businesses and artists, then you need to stop by here!