
When we were shuttling to univ by public buses it was a ubiquitous phenomena to see bus conductors grow the nail of their pinkie and lovingly paint it a garish red or in some cases dye to a shade of puke-inducing orange (with mehndi).
I'd forgotten all about them.
On our India trip we went to visit a cousin of mine who stays on the distant outskirts. We had a most delicious lunch and my cousin and her husband were extremely courteous.
On our way back, however, we had no luck in getting an auto back. Then my cousin suggested we take the bus back since the bus depot was very close to her house. We had no choice but to hop on to the bus when my Brat spotted the long nail, red nail polish and all. I was so amused to see this tradition hadn't died out.
We subsequently spotted quite a few auto drivers sporting the Long Nails too. Ofcourse my Brat wanted to know "why". Sadly I don't know and it didn't occur to me to ask (though I daresay the drivers may have got offended).
So, if anyone knows the secret of the the long nail and its origin - please do enlighten me.