This post is about a small incident during my train journey to my native place. The train route mapped from Mumbai to Kanyakumari had just reached Tamil Nadu border.
I got off the train at Salem station to taste an average tea (to refresh out of the train canteen tea for than past 24 hours). Of the few stalls on the platform, there was a stall which was selling Tamil traditional Dhoti, which in Tamil called "Veshti".
On return to train, an elderly woman handed me ₹200 and requested me to help me buy a Lungi at the station stall? I felt the lack on understanding between Lungi and Dhoti in her.
She appeared to be from the north of the country who seeks my help with language to buy. "Why not", I replied. I checked the stall and there are 3 different priced Dhotis.
"Which price range you like to buy, aunty?" I checked back giving the price options.
She replied, "Whichever is fine, I just need the Lungi". Grrrr. Again she mentioned Lungi.
Being a guys of the southern part of country, I was happy to help my co-national on buying our traditional Veshti (Dhoti) for her, might be for her husband. I went on to chose the mid quality range and returned to the train with a Lungi, oops the Dhoti for her.
She was happy, seeing which I was happy. NOW my knowledge sharing instinct pinged me to correct the co-national of the innocence on Dhoti and Lungi.
I started... "Aunty, this is plain version, most times white or light colors, which is called Veshti in Tamil or generally Dhoti and not a Lungi. This is a formal wear and has varied border-stripe patterns. Lungi is different, it's a casual wear in the south, not a public wear and may have varied colors and multiple designs".
With a odd sarcastic smile she said, "Thank you, beta. This cloth material is good for stitching my undergarments".
"Oh", I nodded my head in slow motion and returned to my seat. I said to myself, "you deserve this" 😊😉😜
