PHOTOGRAPHY | SIX WORD PHOTO STORY CHALLENGE
The Smile Seller
November Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Collecting Smiles”
Selling smiles and making a living
Last week, there was a temple festival in my hometown. Temple festivals are a big thing out here — an occasion for people far and near to come together, be at home, or partake in the festivities.
For these festivals, thousands congregate from the young ones to the elderly to the throbbing teenagers. There is something in store for everyone.
Festivals are also an opportunity for small vendors like balloon sellers, toy sellers, and trinket sellers to line up and sell their ware. While I was waiting on the sidewalk to witness the festival, this balloon seller emerged. Next to me was a father standing with his toddler in his arms. The toddler, perhaps 8–9 months old, was instantly enamoured by the balloons. He wanted to grab it.
The balloon seller sensed a potential customer. He just went behind the boy and stood there without moving or saying anything. The boy’s eyes were transfixed by the balloons. The dad tried every trick in his sleeve to distract the baby boy from the balloons.
The evening was getting alive with festivities. First up was an elephant, well decked up with caparisons.
Dad coaxed his son to watch the elephant.
No, the boy was not interested.
Then came a band of horses, dad again tried in vain to get his son’s attention to the horses.
Up next were bands and drum rolls. The noise and music were loud and rambunctious. But nothing could deter the boy, he was glued to the balloons.
The dad had to relent finally and get the boy a smiling Dora. Dora’s smile contagiously caught up with the boy and his face effused with happiness as he started playing with the balloon :)
My thoughts went down memory lane, I remembered my childhood days when festivals meant to see what new toys and balloons arrive in town for the season and what all I can collect cajoling elders in the family.
These small-way side vendors though striving to meet their ends and escape penury inadvertently spread maximum smiles across homes.
Good Karma!
