Sadhu in MP

May 2015:

While backpacking around Orcha in Madhya Pradesh, I clicked a picture of this very colourful Sadhu while leaving the fort.

He came after me asking to pay him money, since I took a picture of him. When I asked him why I should pay him. He went on to tell me that this is his source of living. He added that he has a family of six to support. He said that he was the only working member of the family.

I offered to buy him a bottle of soda, the heat that day in MP was just killing. I went on to ask him why he chooses this as a way of living. He replied saying that, he was not educated and dressing up like a Sadhu with all this extra colour was the best way to make a living.

He told me that on a good day, he made around a grand. While his average income was around ₹200-400/day, with foreign tourists loving to click pictures with him. He added that they were ready to donate money willing, unlike Indians who like me, would run away after clicking his picture.

We went on to have lunch that afternoon at this favourite place which served us an excellent vegetarian thali at just ₹80.

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