The last two years of the Covid-19 pandemic have been difficult for Ahmed Raza. However, this year things are returning to normal for the flag seller, who sits near the Lalbaug neighbourhood in South Mumbai. The 24-year-old has been employed and involved in the business of making flags for political campaigns, Independence Day and Republic Day. However, due to inactivity during 2020 and early 2021, Raza had to go back home, which meant that he didn’t get his monthly salary of Rs 10,000. “It was a very difficult time for me and my family of seven. We only survived because of God’s grace,” says Raza looking up to the sky.

This year marks India’s 75th Independence Day, and Indians around the world will be celebrating with tricolour flags in different sizes. It is also a time when parents and relatives buy different kinds of badges, pins and t-shirts that have come up over the years, for children in the family. As the city turns vibrant with the colours of the flag popping up in markets, small children can be seen adding to the spirit wearing dresses and t-shirts with the colours of the flag. It is also a sign that the sellers are back on the streets. Mid-day Online spoke to three sellers of all things for Independence Day in Lalbaug to understand how they survived the last two years and what they expect this year and Raza is one of them.   

Pradeep Kasabe has had his stall at the Lalbaug market for the last 45 years and is preparing for the upcoming festive season. Photo Courtesy: Nascimento Pinto/Mid-day

Even though he was only setting up when we met him, three days before Independence Day, Raza, dressed in a simple shirt and pant, dons a tricolour ‘galle ka patta’ around his neck. The Lalbaug seller is happy to get his salary and the extra that he would earn from selling Independence Day paraphernalia for four days. “I am still setting up the stall as of now but have already sold seven flags with the staff. Before Covid, we used to have a bigger stall but this time, my seth decided to keep limited stock,” explains Raza, who hails from Lucknow. The seller’s stall, though small, boasts of many things beyond the Indian flag, popular among children. It has sweat bands, different kinds of badges, big flags, pins and even balloons – all in the three colours of the Indian flag.