In this Indian city, knowing how to roll a 'bidi' makes a woman an eligible bride

Rolling a bidi is not an easy task. Photo Courtesy: Flickr.com

When it comes to finding a perfect bride, most men and their families have a bucket list of expectations. She should be beautiful. She should know how to cook. She should pay heed to cultural values. She should have a good job (or not), well-it's endless. But all these virtues when clubbed together make an eligible bride. At least, for some people. However, when it comes to Solapur in Maharashtra, things work pretty different here. You see, it's not the kundli or dowry that attracts prospective grooms. Women who hold 'bidi cards' are considered most eligible brides in the area and have a long line of men hoping to marry them.

Confused? Well, don't be. The bidi factories in Solapur issue 'bidi cards' to women who are skilled at rolling bidis. Mind you, getting a bidi card is not easy feat. You've be to a master at the job to obtain one. Now, what is it about this card that attracts so much attention? For starters, it promises employment for life. It's basically a piece of paper which lists a person's daily output and skill level. Thanks to this card, a woman gets the security of a permanent job, a provident fund, bonus, and also medical help.

Picture used for representational purpose only. Photo Courtesy: Twitter

According to a report published in the Times of India, women in Solapur have been rolling bidis for over a century, the older ones training the younger. A worker names Radha rolls 1,000 bidis every day and earns Rs 140. The factory deducts provident fund from her earnings. Not to mention, she has families visiting her tiny house in hopes of getting their sons married to her.

"I have rolled bidis with my mother since my school days. A few years ago, I got a bidi card from the factory attesting to my skills. I don't have to worry about marriage or dowry. Getting a bidi card is like landing a government job," she says in an interview to the leading daily.

The bidi factories in Solapur issue 'bidi cards' to women who are skilled at rolling bidis. Photo Courtesy: Twitter

Rolling bidis takes a lot of hard work and precision. Workers just have scissors and thread at their disposal to roll a bidi. It process involves flattening a leaf, filling them with tobacco, and then rolling it. As per the TOI report, there are 65,000 women working in over 200 factories in the area.

While in other parts of the country, a degree and a handsome dowry is what makes a woman an eligible bride. Sadly though. But, in Solapur, it's their skill!