Independence Day 2022: Mumbai tricolour paraphernalia sellers return to the streets with hope and festive cheer

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.