Independence Day 2022: Mumbai tricolour paraphernalia sellers return to the streets with hope and festive cheer

The last two years of the Covid-19 pandemic have been difficult for Ahmed Raza. However, this year things are returning to normal for the flag seller, who sits near the Lalbaug neighbourhood in South Mumbai. The 24-year-old has been employed and involved in the business of making flags for political campaigns, Independence Day and Republic Day. However, due to inactivity during 2020 and early 2021, Raza had to go back home, which meant that he didn't get his monthly salary of Rs 10,000. "It was a very difficult time for me and my family of seven. We only survived because of God's grace," says Raza looking up to the sky.

This year marks India's 75th Independence Day, and Indians around the world will be celebrating with tricolour flags in different sizes. It is also a time when parents and relatives buy different kinds of badges, pins and t-shirts that have come up over the years, for children in the family. As the city turns vibrant with the colours of the flag popping up in markets, small children can be seen adding to the spirit wearing dresses and t-shirts with the colours of the flag. It is also a sign that the sellers are back on the streets. Mid-day Online spoke to three sellers of all things for Independence Day in Lalbaug to understand how they survived the last two years and what they expect this year and Raza is one of them.

Pradeep Kasabe has had his stall at the Lalbaug market for the last 45 years and is preparing for the upcoming festive season. Photo Courtesy: Nascimento Pinto/Mid-day

Even though he was only setting up when we met him, three days before Independence Day, Raza, dressed in a simple shirt and pant, dons a tricolour ‘galle ka patta' around his neck. The Lalbaug seller is happy to get his salary and the extra that he would earn from selling Independence Day paraphernalia for four days. "I am still setting up the stall as of now but have already sold seven flags with the staff. Before Covid, we used to have a bigger stall but this time, my seth decided to keep limited stock," explains Raza, who hails from Lucknow. The seller's stall, though small, boasts of many things beyond the Indian flag, popular among children. It has sweat bands, different kinds of badges, big flags, pins and even balloons - all in the three colours of the Indian flag.

It is no different for Pradeep Kasabe, a local who has been sitting in the Lalbaug market for the last 45 years. While other festivities take up half the space at his cart on Dr Ambedkar Road, the 64-year-old has a seasonal approach to selling anything at his stall. "I sell different kinds of things throughout the year. Now, I have flags and different kinds of badges but only in limited stock because I will keep it only for two days. After which I will bring in Ganesha idols as that is what people will be looking for with the festival coming up," says an experienced Kasabe.

Even though he has sold quite a bit this time, the Mumbaikar has observed that the sale of flags are more on Republic Day (January 26) compared to Independence Day and that is why he approaches the day with caution. In fact, he uses the time to make the most of the festival season as this month will not only see Janmashtami but also Ganesh Chaturthi on August 31 - both of which are celebrated in a very big way in the city. As the days pass, the colours at his stall will change as the market gets busy during this time of the year.

Surendra Yadav always has the latest trending designs on the T-shirts he sells for children, apart from the flags, badges and pins. Photo Courtesy: Nascimento Pinto/Mid-day

While Raza and Kasabe limit their Independence Day sale to flags, badges and pins, Surendra Yadav, another Lalbaug local, who has a roadside stall, is ahead of the game. Having been in the garments business for 25 years now, Yadav hung the T-shirts a few days before Independence Day, so people who are passing are aware of his shop. The 42-year-old sells T-shirts with unique designs, which he tells us, are mostly a hit during this season.

"I make sure I have trending or latest designs. Just a few days ago, I ended up selling 250 T-shirts with the 75th anniversary design, which really took off," says Yadav, pointing towards the design. The shopkeeper's knack for recognising the latest trend can be seen in the fact that he has four-five different designs, and has a steady stream of customers not only looking to purchase the flags, badges and pins but also the tricoloured T-shirts for their children as small as eight-months-old. Ask Yadav about the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic and he says, "I had to increase the price of the T-shirts by Rs 20 - Rs 30 because of lack of sales during the Covid-19 pandemic. That is the only way I can recover the loss," he adds. However, the Mumbaikar is visibly excited for this season, which is followed by Janmashtami, for which he has already put out T-shirts sporting the dahi handi on them.

Like Raza and Kasabe, the Covid-19 pandemic took away two years of money and business for many people in the city and Yadav is one of them. However, he is hopeful because a lot more people are out on the streets looking to celebrate in the best possible way. It is a shared sentiment among many other Mumbaikars in the city who love their festivals.

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