Market vendor in India has very unexpected item for sale

India is a world of colours, culture, and incredible sights. It is a land of contrast with extravagant beauty and extreme hardship, often side by side. The markets are a perfect example of this contrast. Many vendors have elaborate booths full of foods and products of all kinds, while other vendors simply have a mat or blanket to sit on as they peddle goods that might seem valueless by our standards. Yet, in a world like India, hardship creates innovation and ingenuity, and everything imaginable has a potential use or value to somebody.

Cooking fuel is difficult to find and even sticks of wood are scarce here. Dried cow dung burns hot enough to cook with. It can be gathered when it is still damp and formed into round patties and then dried. A hole is punched in the center so that the dungs can be strung together and carried. Sold in these markets for 10 rupees (8 cents US), they provide a small income for many residents of cities like Agra and Delhi. Nothing goes to waste in this world and a few rupees a day can mean the difference between eating and starving.

This woman sits patiently with her dung patties, hoping to sell them all before the end of the day. She is lucky enough to also have a few vegetables and coconuts with her. Survival in a place so crowded as India is difficult, because there are hundreds of vendors who must sell cow dung and other products just to survive.

Travelling through a world where hardship is common is a strong reminder that we have tremendous opportunities in North America. Although we can do better to support our vulnerable people, most who live in North America have all that they need and most of what they want. It is easy to forget that we have so much that should be appreciated.

While visiting countries like India, it is common and very welcomed to take pictures and video. But the etiquette is that a tip or gratuity is appropriate for this privilege. A few dollars can make a big difference to people living such a challenging life.