Mehndi, the only colour in mundane lives of artists

PATNA: All around the year, they try to woo ladies! Well, only to apply designer henna on their palms. It is through 'mehndi' that they try to bring some colour not only on the hands of their customers, but also in their own otherwise mundane lives.

Mehndi-wallas are a common sight at Maurya Lok complex as well as many other shopping centres in the city throughout the year; however, the season of Sawan, especially Rakshabandhan, is the time for them to rake in the moolah.

 For Lalit Kumar, the skill of applying henna is what helps in his hand-to-mouth survival. The only earning member in a family of five, Kumar says, "I've been doing this work for over four years now to support my family." He puts up his makeshift shop (consisting of a couple of stools) at Maurya Lok and has taken six months training in Delhi to master the art. "In one season, we usually make Rs 5,000 to Rs 7,000," he replied when asked if it was enough to support his family.

Lalit, like most of his co-workers, goes back to his village in the off season. "I stay here only during lagna and Sawan season. For the rest of the year, I stay at my village in Supaul district," said Jairam Pandit, who has been in the trade for the last 15 years. At home, Pandit does farming as well as some odd jobs to feed his family of 12.

The artists chorused that during peak season they get many clients, but in off season customers are limited to two or three per day and sometimes even none. Most of their business is limited to Rakhi, Teej and the wedding season. "Some other festivals also attract people, but otherwise we sit here from 11am to 9pm without doing much," said Pandit.

For Santosh Kumar too, applying henna is the only way to earn his bread and butter. Santosh, who sits at Boring road, opposite S K Puri diversion, says, "The usual rates of mehndi are Rs 50, Rs 100 or Rs 200, depending on the style and length of application, but during peak season it increases by Rs 10 or 20." He adds, "We also visit homes to apply mehndi especially during marriage season. 'Bridal mehndi' starts from Rs 2,100." Having got no formal training, Santosh says he picked up the skill observing his friends.

The artists said that 'Marwari' designs were the most popular this year, while Arabic, Rajasthani and colourful designs too, were not far behind. "Every year, I apply mehndi during Sawan season. However, instead of choosing some design from the book, I just tell the mehndi-wallah to apply a good design," said Anwesha Jha, a resident of Buddha Colony, who could not take her eyes off the mehndi designs that were being applied on her palms at the Maurya Lok complex.

Source: http://tinyurl.com/kc4cvwp