It was a long time since I last ventured out for street photography in Jaipur. Over the last two to three years, with the pandemic situation, as well as being busy at work, I missed street photography. Regular followers of this blog might be able to recall the most popular posts on street photography. Sunday street photography in Jaipur, 11 seconds, Faceless frames, bewildered, Jester, and Happy children were a few such posts. There were a few exceptions when I ventured out on the streets in Jaipur for street photography – To mask or not to mask. So this Diwali in Jaipur, I decided to hit the streets of Jaipur for street photography.
I was in Chandpol Bazaar, not far from the landmark point, Choti Chaupar not far from Chaturbhuj Temple. It is common to see flower sellers selling flowers in the streets of Jaipur’s walled city. These are temporary flower-sellers, unlike the ones you find on Badi Chaupar near Hawa Mahal or in the Phool Mandi or the wholesale flower market in Jaipur. I found a woman selling marigold flowers right next to the car parking in Chandpol Bazaar. She was busy making marigold garlands. I’m unsure what made me pause and strike up a conversation with her. She was composed, unlike most sellers who are extremely attentive and active in scouting for a potential customer among the passersby. Because of a large number of flower sellers in the old city Jaipur market, striking a sale deal is vital. But here she was not bothered with this issue at all.
“How much are you selling each Gainda (marigold) garland for?”
“Rs 30”
“What’s your name?” I asked
“Chandi Bai” She replied
“Do you sell marigold flowers every day?”
“No, I don’t”
“Then?”
“My sons don’t permit me to sell flowers every day. They say I should rest at home now that I’m old and we make enough. But since it is Diwali, I decided to sell flowers for a day or two”
“Where do you live?”
“Amer“
“In old Amer town near Amer Fort?”
“No”
“Then?”
“Further up”
“Near Nahargarh Biological Park?”
“Yes. Buy some marigold garland, the flowers are fresh “
Since I had already bought a couple of marigold flower garlands, I was in no mood to buy them.
“No, I don’t need any right now”
“I got 8 kg Gainda flowers yesterday.”
And how many marigold flowers have you bought today to sell garlands?”
“Just 5 kg. I’m waiting to sell all of these and then head back home early since today is Diwali”
“Okay, Give me one garland” as I handed her a new Rs 30 note.
I sensed she was a very skilled seller. Her reply suggested I should help her so she could go back home and enjoy the Diwali festival with her family. She was not acting like other sellers who doing everything to get attention; she was in a different league and deserve respect. During my business travel, I met many sellers. People from the Sindhi community are considered to be one of the best salespersons in India. They are extremely hard-working and possess excellent soft skills. On another note, Kashmiri salespersons are in a different league. I felt this flower seller reminded me of the Kashmiri Emporiums salespersons that once were ubiquitous in the Indian tourism sector. Over the last few years, I have not seen Kashmiri emporiums which were once very common in Delhi, Goa, and Kerela.
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Read Sunday | Street photography in Jaipur
JaipurThruMyLens 
A brilliant way to persuade customers 🙂 No pushy and people felt that they had made a good deed. Her outfit also matched the color of the marigold (another plus point).
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Well said, Len. There are many ways to influence people. Being pushy works for some but certainly not everyone.
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What a lovely story. Maggie
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I’m glad you liked it, Maggie. Did you visit flower markets in India?
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We saw many flower markets but only a couple of times were we able to talk to any if the sellers. As you said most were just there for the sale, which is fine because it’s their livelihood. But I love your interaction with this lady.
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I can understand. Interactions with locals are always unique experiences in my opinion and I do try to connect with people during my travel where possible. Often, language is a barrier because the flower seller only speaks local language or Hindi. This is problem most travelers face during their travels. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Maggie. I always enjoy your detailed and insightful blogs. Happy new year.
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Really interesting experience. Sometimes just having a conversation with someone is the best way to sell your product.
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Absolutely. Connecting is a key to opening doors.
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This woman made a connection with you, and you were both better off for it. She will be able to go home and enjoy her family and you got some beautiful flowers. What a nice story. You also got some great pictures! 🙂
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Certainly. I’m glad you enjoyed reading this story, Lisa 🙂
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This was such an interesting short conversation with the marigold flower seller. She sounded very genuine and really wanted to be there selling flowers not just to make as much as possible. Reading your comments, I agree that interactions with locals are always unique experiences – such as this one where you ended up buying something from here, though you already had a couple of garlands. Sometimes being yourself is the best way to attract others – and a good selling tactic too. And a memorable experience for you too. When I feel like I have a connection with a seller be it in the shops or online, I’m always interested in finding out what they can sell and that can lead to buying something. Connection is a powerful thing. Hope all is well, Arv 🙂
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Well, Connection is the right word, Mabel. Thanks.
Have you had any such experience ever in your life? In Malaysia, which is much similar to India in comparison to Australia?
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I think the sellers in Australia are more friendly. Here in Australia people are always up for a chat whereas encountering a nice connection with a seller in Malaysia can be difficult – which only usually happens if I’ve bought from them a few times. Sometimes connection takes time to develop.
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That’s interesting. I thought people in Australia must be a lot more busy and “professional” in their approach then say in Asia. Well, I guess that’s because of preconceived notions. Thanks for updating, Mabel. I guess you are referring to the street vendors.
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Australia is a very relaxed place. The customer service, for most part, feels very easy going here from the small to bigger places to get goods. Yes, I was referring to street vendors in Asia…but come to think of it, sort of similar elsewhere too.
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Yes, it is kind of similar everywhere except the cultural differences. Good to know one can enjoy shopping in all sorts of places in Australia. Must be a great experience, every time.
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Interesting interaction you had with the lady and it seems she is a different kind of seller. In fact, I like her way of salesmanship 😀
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She was very relaxed above everything else. It is hard to find people like her.
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