They did god’s work, now they beg for a meal

Chandu Kale and his wife Mangal near the famous Prabhadevi Ganpati temple. Pics/Atul Kamble

Mangal Kale's eyes well up as she recalls her family's struggle for survival despite being what she called so close to god. She has reason to believe that, for they sell flowers near Siddhivinayak temple, the abode of Mumbai's favourite god. With the pandemic snuffing out their source of income, the Kales today are ready to beg to feed their children. The heart-rending scene mirrors the lives of hawkers near several places of worship, including churches and mosques, across the city.

Iqbal Shaikh near Mahim Dargah. He had switched to painting

In the absence of much help from local politicians and the government, they now wait for divine intervention.

mid-day met Heerabai Kale, 35, outside the famous Prabhadevi Ganpati temple. Heerabai has been living on the roadside with her kids, husband and sister for over a decade. She used to make flower garlands for devotees and would also sell them on local trains. "I was born here and I have never been through such a crisis. Ab aisa time aagaya hai ki maang ke khana pad raha hai [the time is so bad that I have to beg for food]," said Heerabai. She said she used to earn Rs 400-Rs 500 a day earlier. "Lekin ab mandir band hai, log aate hi nahin. Kabhi koi customer aaya for phool bik jata hai [the temple is closed so nobody comes here. If any customer lands here by any chance, we manage to sell some flowers]," she said.

Her family member Chandu Kale and his wife Mangal, who is physically challenged, live inside a flower shop with their two children. "Many like us have either gone back to their native place or at the mercy of others for sustenance. We have no work since there are no devotees," said Chandu.

Mangal said they have barely got any help from the government. "We don't want to depend on alms, but we don't have a choice. We are just hoping that Lord Ganesha will soon open his doors and everything will be normal like before."

Heerabai's younger sister Latabai too was born near Siddhivinayak temple. "I'm 27 years old and we have never faced such a challenge. This is clearly the worst phase of our life. It's depressing to ask for help to feed ourselves and our kids," she said. Dattu, another member of the Kale family, used to work in a flower shop and earn R200-300 a day. "I'm ready to do anything to make some money," the 25-year-old told mid-day.

Not far away, Anirta John Fernandez narrated how the virus has upended her world. She has a small candle and flower shop outside the Mahim church, another much-revered place in Mumbai. "My mother used to run this place until she passed away a few years ago. Now, I take care of the business along with my 60-year-old aunt Agnes Joseph James," said Anirta, 45.

Agnes too was in tears sharing their ordeal. "The business has come to zero. We are not even making Rs 100 a day due to the lockdown. We have been here for more than 50 years by the blessing of Mother Mary and have never seen such bad times. Sometimes we don't even get to eat as we have never begged in our life," she said. The family sometimes gets help from their old customers. "Earlier, I used to save at least Rs 500 a day. Now we just think about getting three meals."

Agnes said they have approached local politicians and church authorities but have not got much help.

Heerabai, her sister consider themselves lucky when customers arrive

In the vicinity of the same church, Abdurrehman Shaikh's condition is no different. Shaikh too sells flowers and candles. "What can I say? Everyone knows what is happening to the poor. Some people have started coming here after relaxations in lockdown. We hope these days will pass soon."

Mohammed Ali, an employee at Shaikh's shop, had a daily income of Rs 300 before the pandemic arrived. "I survived on food distributed among the poor near the Mahim Dargah. There were times when I had no option but to seek help from our customers. I do not want to even remember that. I just hope for normalcy," he said.

Iqbal Shaikh works at a shop selling flowers and ‘chaadar' near Mahim Dargah. "I was working here for the last two years but switched to painting during the lockdown. Our shop opened today and I have returned. I will be getting half the salary but I have a family to take care of. Earlier, there used to be 4-5 workers at every shop. Now, most have just one," said Sheikh.

What trusts say

‘Our hands are tied due to a PIL filed after we donated Rs 5 crore to the CM's Covid relief fund. We hope temples will open soon as the number of cases is dropping. As of now, we are only providing medical aid'
Aadesh Bandekar, Siddhivinayak trust

‘We are focusing more on medical aid. Ration kits were provided to those who approached the Dargah. There are economic crises and psychological issues which the government needs to address'
Suhail Khandwani, Mahim-Haji Ali trust

Mahim church authorities refused to comment