Rope Maker Grandpa - Datenzing Ongmu Tamang, Melita Mary Ruchel Thapa, Suveckchya Shrestha

Donned in his woolen cap, sweater and trousers, Kaji Tamang, who assumes his age to be around 90, is often seen in the roads of Kapan (Kath), selling ropes for the past six years and is popularly known as " Dori Banaune Baje"       (Rope maker Grandpa) among  the locals.

Kaji Tamang 

Baaje

Other than complaining about the unfortunate things that happened to him, this old man encourages himself  and uses an optimistic attitude to comfort himself.

Baaje in his room.

Reading!

Baaje's praying beads.

Something out of nothing: we often witness the city being littered by sacks and plastics which we consider as waste. But this grandpa has a different perspective. He makes use of insubstantial things to produce something worthwhile. 

Baaje browsing through his raw materials.

The collected sacks are ripped off, shredded and the strings are put together. 

Shredding the Sack!

Strings are out.

The strings are then adjusted in a stick.

They are twisted and turned continuously with his dry, wrinkled hands.

Getting them into shape.

Just like the life of this old man, who has met with different hurdles in his life, the ropes that he makes also have a similar story.

Getting ready for the final touch.

Making fire for his last step.

To give the almost ready rope a smooth and neat texture.

Another phase of burning!

Cooling of the ropes.

Baaje pleased with his hard work gets the ropes ready to sell.

Final dori is then sold to people at Rs. 25 to Rs. 50 depending on the length.

Final Product!

The locals use the dori for various purposes,

The day meets its end, after all day of hard work. 

Content, he rests and looks forward to the next day.