By Showkeen Mir, Agence India Press,
Srinagar: Kashmir has become a centre of business for outsiders with the moderate flow of tourists during the peak season.
The charm of Kashmir becomes double whether it’s about to visit gardens or any other picnic spot, one can see an outsider earning there in one way or another.
During summer it gives a real pleasure to visit gardens where the groups of little girls and women’s of different ages carrying Mehandi cones (Henna) and equipments for designing it with them. They roam from garden to garden and earn their bread by doing this job which is not meant only for women, but men are also earning a good fortune by this job besides some of them are working in different parlors of the valley.
The spring season of Kashmir invites people from very distant places and also gives them a chance to earn who are not able to do it living outside under hot climatic conditions.
“I am really thankful to God for making Kashmir this much beautiful it is only then the people like us get a chance to survive, I am here from last 3 years. I used to come here during summers for few months and earn some money for my family which has helped me a lot” Kavita a Mahandi designer from Kerala told Agence India Press.
Mahandi designer in gardens at low prices attracts women’s and even Childs from different places.
“Whenever our school organized a picnic, I never missed it as I can get a chance to apply very beautiful mehandi design over my hands at very affordable price” a student of 7th standard from Bandipora said.
During the marriages season, boutiques and beauty parlors does good business charging a small design of Mahanadi at huge prices, the same designs are sold at very low prices by these girls who roam in gardens and streets of the valley.
“I went to a parlor for booking date for my Mahandi after having a look over Mahandi design; I was impressed by their skills. It is really a beautiful quality in these people which helps a bride to add in its charm, these people really deserve countless compliments for their skilful hands” a bride Zahida said.
“As for as our hard work is concerned we earn very less. I used to come here in the month of April and leave by October end. These six months are very important for me, I came with my auntie and uncle, they are here for the same purpose, I learned Mahandi design from my father, who was a famous Mahandi designer during his days, I always try to save the money which I earn during these six months I feel it is really a genuine and honest way to earn fortune though we people have to wander” another henna designer Sheeba from Calcutta said.
The efforts of those vendors are appreciated by the locals especially those who are benefitted by their affordable costs.
“We appreciate them because they are working hard no matter they are not locals but they serve us on affordable prices depite the beauty parlors in the valley which has become the most expensive places especially for the brides,” a college girl said.