I had been looking forward to travelling to Chhatisgarh state as this was my first visit to this part of India.
Due to busy schedule of work I couldn't see the beautiful surroundings but remained restricted to the city area. I was a bit disappointed but soon I consoled myself with a promise to be back solely for tourism purpose.
However, during the work I found my muse - Lakhi Narain Sahu Lemon Tea Wale (Lakhi Narain Sahu who sells lemon tea) at the City Central Mall.
This is no ordinary tea that Lakhi had been selling for more than 7 years. It is a special Masala (spicy) Lemon Tea.
One sip and it felt like I am having haajmola (tablets made of a variety of herbs and spices to help digestion). I couldn't refrain myself from asking Lakhi what he uses in the tea.
The liat was long and it had almost everything what my mother used to put in Buknu (an old Indian spicy powder for good digestion , which is now becoming extinct).
He boasted that his tea was no ordinary drink but a health drink and Lakhi charges a high price keeping the raretity in mind. One miniscule plastic cup for 10 Rs.
A seasoned salesman he keeps the Masala , he uses for tea, ready to sell the moment a customer praises his tea. The small packet of Masala coats 50 Rs.
Lakhi , an easy tea seller doesn't sit at the Raipur Railway Station as he says there he would get lot of men (he meant cops) who would want his tea for free.
"Even a dig would want my tea for free," he says. So he is happy to sell less but to class customers who understand the beauty of his tea and can savour the taste and are ready to pay for his unique recipe.
I was so enamoured by Lakhi that I had to get his permission to photograph him. Poor guy ,he was flummoxed when I asked him if I can take his photo. Fumbling , he said I don't know. So I showed him my mobile camera and explained.
So, he posed and then asked me to show hoq he looks. Happy with the result, he smiled and I smiled too as I was happy with my muse. I left the place with a promise to have his tea next time whenever I am in Raipur. I also told him to give him some publicity by sharing his work on all social sites.
So please guys and gals make sure that you have this special lemon tea by Lakhi if you happen to be in Raipur. And also give him loads of like so that we can promote our very own organic tea!
