Keonjhar: Unmarried Dhaneswar Patra, known as Dhanu Bhai, understands the problems of being single and is the most sought-after matchmaker in Keonjhar.
Though there are several matrimonial websites, Dhanu Bhai is the first person to approach for many families here when they want a bride or a groom. No wonder, people of any age fondly call the 60-year-old, Dhanu Bhai.
Dhanu was born to Kanhua Patra and Buli Patra. He is the second son of his parents and had to shoulder the responsibilities of his family from a young age. Things were going well for the family until Patra passed away due to old-age ailment when Dhanu was only 14.
With no other income sources, Buli took upon the errands of the family to raise Dhanu and his brothers. To extend a helping hand to his mother, Dhanu also took up odd jobs. Meanwhile, he was attracted to matchmaking, a thing that he had learnt from his father.
So much engrossed in his duty for his family, he himself couldn’t marry as his mother Buli Patra passed away in 1993, leaving behind the duty of his brothers on his shoulders. After the demise of his mother, Dhanu toiled hard and created a niche for himself.
Taking it as his responsibility, he remained unmarried but helped his younger and elder brother’s children marry.
“Every morning I go out on my bicycle. Sometimes I have to go to a few houses because of prior appointments. And sometimes, people stop me on the way and invite me to their houses to ask me to get a suitable bride or a groom for their children,” he says.
“I have never demanded any fees from anyone. I remain content with whatever people give me. If I start doing it for business purpose, I will definitely lose the affection and honour I get from people,” he adds.
“I am in the job of matchmaking since 1980 and in a year at least four to five couples get united through me. It gives me pleasure if a couple is united through me and leads a happy life. But it gives me more pleasure when I get a match for those who have no parents or those who are not able to get a match for them. I even ensure their marriage is solemnised,” he says.
PNN
