It is illegal for any child under the age of 14 to be employed.... or so the notices on the back of auto rick-shaws inform us. This is definitely not the reality of the situation. On a daily basis I see young children being part of the Indian work force, and do realise that a practice that has been going on for centuries won't stop overnight.
The photos below are 'just' two examples of what you see. The boy hand embroidering the sari did not look quite so happy as the handkerchief seller.
The fabric for the sari is stretched out on the wooden frame and the pattern is chalked onto the fabric. The worker (usually male) then proceeds to hand stitch every detail and sequin onto the fabric. The cost of a sari will depend on the fabric used and the level of detail and adornment i.e. how long it took for someone to complete the finished item. Each sari is about six metres long. The speed at which the stitching is done is unbelievable, the workers hands operate like sewing machines.
The handkerchief seller was full of smiles and was very happy at being asked if I may take his photo, especially thrilled when I played back the photo to show him. He did not ask for anything, and though I thought his smile could not get any bigger, his face was a picture of happiness, but also confusion (as to why???) when I gave him 10 Rupees and did not want any handkerchiefs in exchange.
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