Hyderabad:Dhoolpet, a popular destination when it comes to huge Lord Ganesh and Goddess Durga statues, is actually as big a market for rakhis and kites during Raksha Bandhan and Sankranti.
The area, which boasts of Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat natives who migrated during the Nizam period, is also known for producing champion bodybuilders and wrestlers. It was once infamous for illicit gudumba (desi liquor) brewing. Poverty has pushed several youth from the area into antisocial activities.
Right now the locals are demanding that Dhoolpet be declared as the ‘festival market of Hyderabad’.
Mahesh Sing Kalakar, a popular third-generation idol-maker, said, “I have been in this profession for the last five decades. Hundreds of artisans are involved in catering to the needs of Hindu festivals. Sadly, there is no support from the government. Officials come and take representations but do precious little to help us.”
He added “our primary demand is to transform this place into a ‘festival market’. There is a need to make repair roads and increase the height of the electric poles and wires so that statues can be transported more smoothly.”
Sharad Singh, a petty vendor, said “Hundreds of families here survive on seasonal livelihoods. During festivals they put up makeshift shops. During festivals, bad roads lead to traffic chaos. The government should construct sheds, make sign boards and promote this market, which is patronised by people from all over. Their safety is as important to us as it is to our families.”
