Aradi: Earlier bangle sellers calling out for customers in village streets used to be routine and women and girls used to mob them to buy their wares.
Sadly, that is completely missing from villages these days. Bangle sellers are no longer to be seen in rural pockets. The colourful bangles and vermillion they used to sell are now available only in markets and shops.
Thousands of bangle sellers have lost their livelihood. However, 69-year-old Bhagirathi Sahu, a resident of Betali village of Dhamnangar block in Bhadrak, has been struggling to make a living by selling bangles. Due to age he cannot visit far off villages. He has been selling bangles for years now.
When people see Bhagirathi carrying baskets of bangles and other cosmetic items and calling out for customers, the scene reminds one of the famous story ‘Budhasankhari’ (old bangle seller) written by poet Kantakabi Laxmikant Mohapatra. The character of ‘Budhasankhari’ is still etched in the memory of those who have read the story.
“My father used to do this. After his death I took up this trade to keep my pot boiling,” Bhagirathi said. Braving rain and sun, Bhagirathi walks about 10 km to 15 km daily moving from village to village. Simply clad, Bhagirathi is known to almost all households in the Aradi area. Some call him Bhagi Bhai and others call him Bhagi Mausa.
He is supporting a family comprising his wife, three sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren. All his sons work in private companies.
“When I return home in the evening after selling bangles my wife Hemalata takes care of me. I like food cooked by my daughters-in-law. My favourite is mushroom,” he said.
In the evening, he reads the Bhagwat Gita and entertains his grandkids by telling folktales. He has been receiving Rs 300 per month as pension, but has not been able to build a pucca house. However, no ration card has been provided to his family.
“I have land, but that is not cultivable. So I have to purchase rice throughout the year,” he said.
He believes that if someone can work hard without expecting government help, he can manage his family well.
“As long as I am healthy I will be selling bangles in villages. Meeting people really gives me joy,” Bhagirathi said with tears welling up in his eyes.
