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.
Ha! They used to creep me out - actually still do. I mean, you want to manicure them - so it for all nails no?
ReplyDeleteEsssh - all nails being that way ...that would really creep everyone out ...and you wouldn't get a picture like the one here - all buses would be EMPTY!
ReplyDeleteMy favourite uncle has a story about our family priest who conducted his marriage. This priest had a long black thumbnail sort of filed almost to a point. At various points during the ceremony, he used this disgusting looking nail to gouge bits of overripe banana which he then urged my uncle and his bride to eat as prasadam. My uncle says he doesnt know how he stopped himself from puking into the sacred fire, but he did manage not to. He considers it a testament to his willpower :)
ReplyDeleteSorry, that should be "to gouge bits FROM an overripe banana" :) Makes better sense now, no?
ReplyDeleteShyam:
ReplyDeleteEEEEEEEEEEEEEOWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!
Hats off to you - you really take the time and trouble to make sure you get your sentences right!