Dora-makers need protection Avtar Singh has been preparing dora (thread for flying kites) around the streets of Amritsar since 1956. Even after putting about 50 years of labour in the profession he is finding it hard to make both ends meet. Tedious work of making dora leaves him with little energy to reply queries of passers-by. “There is nothing in this profession. All margins are pocketed by traders and big shopkeepers. Dora-maker Avtar Singh has been on the job in Amritsar streets since 1956. — Photo by Lalit Mohan

From fishing to nets Amir Hussain came to Punjab from Bijnaour district of Uttar Pradesh about 50 years ago. Belonging to Mahigeer, a fishermen tribe of UP, he came here to catch fish in rivers. However, here he did not find any shop to buy new nets for fishing. So, he decided to establish the first shop of fishing nets in Amritsar. It is only shop in Amritsar that deals with fishing nets. Grandsons of Hussain run the shop in the fish market. The shop is popularly known as “Mianji jal wale” in the area. A Bijnauri labourer prepares nets at the only fishing net shop in Amritsar. — Photo by Lalit Mohan

My City
Elevated road: A blessing?
Amritsar, known as the city of Golden Temple, has seen various ups and downs in the short history of its development. Initially, Mughals had destroyed the temple as well as the city up to 1765. However, it continues to face destruction, not by foreigners, but by our own people.

Indo-Pak Saanjh highlighted  “Saanjh”, the multicultural festival featuring top artistes of India and Pakistan, has laid the path to create a seamless bonhomie among the divided group of folk and drama artistes of both countries. Sufi singer Allahditta Loneywala and his son perform in the Saanjh festival held in Amritsar on Monday. — A Tribune photo