In a country as unique and diverse as India, you can be sure that you are going to come across quite a few unusual job opportunities. Whether passed down in tradition, or jobs that have come about from a social need, these are jobs that are seldom found elsewhere. Here we shall have a look at some of the more unusual and unique professions in India.
1. Ear Cleaner
Armed with a piece of cotton wool wrapped around a needle and a pair of tweezers, professional ear cleaners can often be found on the street of many Indian cities. For a small amount, people can have the dirt and wax removed from their aural canal. The delicate procedure is carried out by putting cotton wool around a sharp, thin piece of steel, dipping it in hydrogen peroxide and wiping out the ear. The cleaner then uses the tweezers to remove any cotton wool, dirt or wax that might have been left behind.
The invention of cotton wool buds has brought about a sharp decline in the profession, there are still some people who prefer to make use of Ear Cleaners to have the wax somewhat painfully removed from their ears.
2. Death Photographers
Varanasi, a city in northern India on the Ganges river, is significant in Hindu customs of mourning, death, and pilgrimage. The city is steeped in tradition and an estimated 70% of the inhabitants practice Hinduism. When their loved ones pass on, many are taken to Varanasi to be cremated.
There are many people who want a final picture of the deceased family member that make use of a death photographer. Some people use the photographs as official proof of death. A photographer in the burning Ghats might expect to make between ₹1,500 and ₹2,500 rupees every day. For this, they work over 12 hours a day. There is an unwritten tradition among the photographers that they will not charge if it is a child who has died, out of respect.
Most Death Photographers do not want to continue with the work and would prefer to be professional photographers. They seldom tell their friends and families about their jobs as it can carry a stigma.
3. Roadside Dentists
There are many in India who cannot afford the services of a qualified dentist. When the agony of a toothache or the need for dentures becomes too much, they will visit a Roadside Dentist. Armed with makeshift tools, toothbrushes, tweezers, mirrors and pliers, they perform their art in markets where inquisitive people will often stand around to watch. There is no anaesthesia or painkillers offered,
This is a skill which is often passed down through the generations with children learning the trade early in life. In addition to pulling teeth and filling cavities, Roadside Doctors also make dentures and dental bridges, bringing relief to people who often have no alternative.
The dentists keep records of their patients who will be offered a discount when they return. They claim to be doing a service to the community and if a person in need cannot pay, they will not be charged.
4. Professional Mourners
Mostly found in the Rajasthan region, professional mourners are women who are hired to grieve for male members of the family. Known as Rudaalis, this is another unusual job that is dying out as many families now prefer a smaller, and quieter funeral.
The job involves women who are dressed just as a genuine mourner would. For 12 days, they will cry for the deceased, often screaming and throwing themselves to the floor, or beating their chests.
The women who do this job are mostly widows who are no longer active members of their community and are sadly looked down on.
5. Doormen
While many countries in the world have doormen welcoming guests to their hotels and restaurants, India does it will flair and elegance. The doormen, or durbaans, welcome guests to some of the finest establishments in India. They get to meet celebrities, politicians and sportsmen alike as they greet visitors, such as the cricket teams that you can wager on in IPL betting at Pure Win! Instantly recognisable by their immaculate tunic and turban, there are two features that make an Indian doorman stand out from the rest of the world.
The first is their size. They are known for their tall stature and impressionable physic, such as those Presidential bodyguards and army soldiers may have. The other feature that guests never forget is the moustache, which is a must-have for all doormen. In fact, they are often questioned about their moustaches which are seen as that of a warrior. Greeting visitors with a salute, doormen earn ₹18.000 per year, as well as tips.
