HYDERABAD: The famous Khairatabad Ganesh might be God of good fortune for many but for these workers from as far as Rajasthan and Bihar, this Ganesh is their source of livelihood, at least for the 11 days of the festivities.
As lakhs of devotees from across the state and even from other neighbouring states throng the Ganesh pandals at Khairatabad, it is an opportunity for the vendors of masks of various comic characters, paper-made whistles and all sorts of articles to make a killing.
All the roads leading to the Ganesh pandals are filled with shacks stacked with colourful art works such as door hangings and accessories. The people who sell the commodities find this period a time to find some market for their art work. Even those who pierce tattoos, which remains as a perfect identify for a devotee’s visit to the pandal, are a big hit.
“We are from Rajasthan and occasions like these are a perfect time for us to earn a fast buck,’’ says Babulal, while piercing a tattoo on a customer. Using their crafty talents and attractive handicrafts that are local to their native state, these migrant traders set shop during festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and Dasara.
“We are not concerned with religion. All we need is an opportunity to earn a livelihood. As it is Ganesh Chaturthi, we are here. Tomorrow, we might be at another place during another festival,’’ said another vendor from Bihar.
These small-time traders travel all the way from far off places with their families and find shelter in small huts at secluded areas on the outskirts of the city. Once they are in a city for business, they dedicate themselves to that and go home just once or twice a year.