In the days of yore (and to a small extent, even today), imagine a scenario where over 100 people are trying to board a bus meant to carry only 50 passengers, with a mere 40 seats available. How does one ensure they secure a place? The answer lies in the ingenious practice of placing a handkerchief through the window (or a hat, a small bag, and sometimes even a child).
रुमाल डालना एक ऐसा कार्य है जिसका हमारे दैनिक जीवन में काफी महत्व है। लेकिन क्या है इसकी महत्ता? आज हम आपको बताएंगे कि रुमाल डालना क्यों महत्वपूर्ण है और क्योंकि इसके बिना हमारा दैनिक जीवन संभव नहीं है।
The Importance of a Handkerchief
A handkerchief is a simple yet essential item that has been a part of our daily lives for centuries. It’s a small piece of cloth that can make a big difference in our daily routines. Whether it’s wiping away tears, blowing our noses, or simply adding a touch of elegance to our outfits, a handkerchief is an indispensable accessory that deserves our appreciation.
Colloquially called “Rumaal Daalna” रुमाल डालना (Rumaal is a handkerchief)
रुमाल डालना एक ऐसा कार्य है जिसका हमारे दैनिक जीवन में काफी महत्व है। हमारे हाथ से कुछ निकल जाता है और हमारे हाथ से कुछ ले जाता है। हाथकफ का उपयोग करके हम अपने हाथ से कुछ ले सकते हैं और अपने हाथ से कुछ निकाल सकते हैं।
Bus ride in the 1980s
It was an unwritten rule that if someone had placed their handkerchief in advance, even if they managed to board the bus a few minutes later, the seat would still be rightfully theirs. This honor system was upheld by the masses, and any violation of this sacred code was met with fierce reprimands from fellow passengers. It was a time when a simple piece of cloth held the power to reserve a precious spot on the crowded public transport.
Picture the scene: a sea of handkerchiefs fluttering in the wind, each one staking its claim on a coveted seat. The bus conductor, a master of this peculiar seating arrangement, would navigate through the maze of fabric, ensuring that each handkerchief found its rightful owner. It was a dance of chaos and order, a testament to the ingenuity of the rural Indian traveler.
In those crazy times, the handkerchief was not merely an accessory for personal hygiene; it was a symbol of hope, a beacon of comfort amidst the madness of the commute. It was a silent guardian, protecting the interests of its owner against the onslaught of seat-hungry passengers. The humble handkerchief had become an unlikely hero in the daily battle for a spot on the bus.
So, the next time you find yourself in a crowded bus or train in rural India, remember the importance of placing a handkerchief. It was a standard practice till about a decade ago, maybe the old trick will still work !
It may seem like a small gesture, placing a handkerchief (रुमाल डालना ) carries the weight of tradition and the promise of a seat to call your own, even if just for a short while.
I occasionally reflect on small items that have made a big impact on our lives in my writing works