For the past 20 years, regular shoppers at the bustling East Mada Street hawkers’ market could not have missed the face of this hawker.
Elizhilarasi from Mandaveli is a cheerful vendor who has been selling fresh kirai (greens) right outside the Jockey showroom and opposite Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.
From 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. every day, Elizhilarasi is at her sales post and no less than 30 people buy from her almost every day.
Why do they choose her to buy keerai? “For the freshness and for my tips on the benefits of each keerai variety,” she says.
The keerai she sells include – Siru Keerai – improves digestion and strengthens bones, Arai Keerai – good for anaemic patients, boosts energy, Manathakkali Keerai – heals mouth ulcers, supports liver health., Thoodhuvalai Keerai (Solanum Trilobatum) – known for treating respiration, Ponnanganni Keerai – improves skin and eyesight and Pasalai Keerai – Cools the body, promotes digestion.
She says her produce is sourced daily from the Red Hills zone and brought to the Mylapore zone in a Tata Ace mini-truck around 1:30 p.m. The lorry unloads the day’s stock near her house, and from there, Elizhilarasi carries the hefty bundles of greens to her regular vending spot.
“The keerai must be fresh and clean, only then people will buy it,” she tells me.
Besides the greens, she also offers select vegetables like sundaikkai, pavakkai and green brinjals. Naatu podalankai (country snake gourd) — is available at Rs. 70 each.
As dusk sets in, this hawker stall gets very busy. Elizhilarasi has a loyal clientele and many are there every other day.
– Report, photos by Akshita K. / Mylapore Times Journalism course student
