As dusk settles near Company Garden in the city of Bilaspur, colourful containers strapped to a bicycle immediately catch the eye of passersby and children. Standing beside the cycle is Nand Kumar Nirmalkar, who prepares and sells traditional cotton candy, locally known as Bombay Mithai, crafted from sugar, food colouring, and distinct flavours. Some call it Hawaii Mithai while others refer to it as Gulab Lachhi, but for Nand Kumar, this craft is far more than a simple street trade; it has served as the foundational pillar of his entire household and livelihood.
Starting from Childhood to Build a Secure Household
Nand Kumar began this work when he was only 10 to 11 years old. From that tender age, he took to the streets with his modest setup, steadily sustaining and raising his family on the proceeds of his daily sales. Over decades of patient labour, the modest earnings allowed him to build a family home, acquire farmland, and eventually take up agricultural cultivation alongside his candy sales. Even today, he maintains that dedicated routine, cycling down to Company Garden every single evening to serve fresh treats to his regular customers.
Preparation Method and Chimney Equipment
Explaining the technical side of the confection, Nand Kumar noted that the preparation primarily requires granulated sugar, selected flavouring agents, and approved food dyes. These ingredients are combined to achieve the signature airy texture and vibrant colours. To spin the candy, he continues to rely on a traditional chimney-style manual machine. While electric candy-spinning machines are now widely sold across the market, he finds the chimney mechanism substantially more convenient and dependable for his daily outdoor workflow.
Production Economics and Daily Sales Volume
Breaking down the production numbers, Nand Kumar explained that processing approximately one kilogram of sugar requires between one hour and one hour and fifteen minutes. That single kilogram of sugar yields finished sweets with a retail value of around 650 to 700 rupees. For his regular evening sales, he carries roughly 100 to 120 pieces priced at 10 rupees each, alongside a substantial stock of 20-rupee packs. Driven by consistent street demand, his daily turnover typically reaches around 1000 rupees.
Low Capital Barrier and Cultivating Self-Reliance
Nand Kumar stresses that entering this trade does not demand large financial investments or formal infrastructure. Anyone from an underprivileged background can launch such a micro-enterprise with very little seed capital and secure an independent living. He also views the work as a practical opportunity for young family members to gain real-world financial literacy. His two children assist him with sales for about one to two hours during their spare time after returning from school.
His eldest son is currently studying in the 12th standard, and his other children are also actively enrolled in school. Nand Kumar explains that participating in the evening sales helps them earn their pocket money while mastering the discipline of honest labour. His ultimate goal is to ensure that alongside their formal schooling, his children understand the true value of diligence, practical trade skills, and economic independence.
