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A Day With Kanaga

"After my husband’s death, I began selling flowers for a living. I got my daughters married with the money I made from selling flowers. My daily income is between ₹500–₹750.”.

Kanaga sprinkles water on the jasmine buds, arranges roses in a bucket, and caters to her customers with a smile on her face. She started this business by walking around the streets of Madurai with jasmine in a basket. She has been a flower-seller for 40 years now.

The day usually starts with a loan of ₹1000 in the morning that has to be paid off at the end of the day with ₹1200 to the money-lender. She buys the flowers from the market at dawn. The quantity she buys depends on the day's price. Usually, she buys 3 kgs of jasmine, 100 roses, some picchi and kanagaambaram. She has to take additional care in summers when flowers can easily wilt in the heat.

Kanaga pulls out long hours, beginning at 6.00 a.m. and continues till 9.00 pm. She sells roses for ₹10 - ₹15 and Jasmine for ₹30- ₹50 per muzham. She says, “The price of jasmine garlands depends on how closely the flowers are strung together.” Kanaga not just makes regular flower strings, but also caters to special requirements. “Brides come with their saris to show its colour," and Kanaga customizes garlands for them. “It feels good to see the happiness on their faces on their big day, that makes my day.”

Kanaga has to sell on the day of buying the jasmine, to retain its freshness and to maximise the price. If there is any remaining, she gives them as an offering to the temples. "This is not just a job. It is our life,” she says. “I am uneducated and have no savings . Every time someone falls sick I have to borrow money. I loved to wear mallipoo on my hair, but had to stop when my husband passed away. It has been 40 years now. Now I am old but I hate sitting idle at home. I am happy that I do not have to depend on others for money. I have fulfilled my biggest dream. I bought a small house for my daughters,” she smiles.

Poo-MallAi salutes Kanaga and the many people working hard in this malli ecosystem. Our mission is to identify them and provide them maximum support, and revolutionize this market through fair trading.