...Little entrepreneurs of the Yamuna Ghat...
This year my soul drew me to the quaint Town of Vrindavan, at the banks of the river Yamuna... A place where people came from far and wide to witness the festival of Holi. I too wanted to experience the euphoria of the explosion of sights and colours. Following my friend's footsteps, we immersed ourselves in the celebrations of Holi... Until I landed at the Yamuna Ghat.
Amidst the din lay a spot so quiet and peaceful, a bliss to my soul. We decided to take a boat to the other side. As we sailed across the beautiful and serene Yamuna, cool breeze whipping through my hair, I learned about the young boatman of 16years. An entrepreneur who started at age 14, he loved his boat - the Rajhans, whom he considered the most beautiful on the Yamuna. She is extremely dear to him and has been his companion from the start. He always ensured to decorate her beautifully, like one might a loved one.
At the other side of the ghat stood a lone hut. Beyond it was the single tiny entrance to a temple. My attention was drawn to the children gathered there, offering big toothy smiles, their tiny hands carrying freshly made garlands for devotees, their eyes lit up with excitement. I noticed a small commotion arose everytime someone made their way to the temple, competing on who will sell the most garlands. What's interesting about these little entrepreneurs is that they gathered flowers from plants growing around the temple, designing their business without any investment. Aren't they smart?!
