Helping city folk cool down

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In the simmering heat, street vendors selling fruits are a big relief to the public. It is their dedicated sales that help people to cool themselves. A family from Tamil Nadu selling watermelons in the city is one such group that makes ample use of the season. Brothers Subramanian, 51, and Subhash, 53, are among those have been coming all the way from Chennai and Tirunelveli to sell watermelons. Others from Tamil Nadu are staying in other places in the State to sell the fruit. The vendors purchase watermelons at wholesale rates and take the fruit to different places. “We are able to sell 400 to 450 watermelons per day on an average during February-March. But during the April-May period, sales will soar to 600 to 700 watermelons per day,” said Subramanian. The brothers have been coming here for the past eight years to sell fruits, mainly watermelon. Subhash and Subramanian use the roadside itself as their shelter. “Now, we are selling it for Rs 10 per kg and at a wholesale rate of ` 8 per kg. But from April, the prices may go up. This is our livelihood and we get some profits during the summer season,” they said.  The popularity and beliefs associated with Attukal Pongala as well as the business prospects have influenced them and their family members also. “Every year, our sisters also come to Thiruvananthapuram during the Pongala season to sell pots,” said Subhash. “Back home, they make mud pots for the Pongala season,” they added.