Patna, Jan. 25: Shamshad Alam (32) does brisk business every year by selling flags for Independence Day and Republic Day. But on being asked why the Republic Day is celebrated, he says: “Why are you asking me all these silly questions? I am not as educated as you are. How will I know all this?”

For Alam, the only significance that August 15 and January 26 have is that they provide him an opportunity to make quick money.

“I do not really bother about the importance of these dates. I can make quick money by selling flags. That is all that concerns me,” Alam adds.

Every year, both the pavements of the busy Boring Road are crowed with jhandewalas or flag sellers for days before the Republic Day.

The Tricolour flutters everywhere, from the high court to Income Tax roundabout. It is like a wave of patriotism. Citizens cannot help being moved by the fervour. The jhandewalas, however, often have little clue about the occasions for which they sell the flags.

“Look around you. Every one is selling flags. I sell it because people buy it now,” said 41-year-old Shamshuddin, another flag seller.

Some flag sellers expressed their unhappiness over the rising prices that have led to a rise in the price of khadi, the fabric used in making flags.

“I have been in this profession for the past 12 years. The prices of the raw materials have hit the roof but the people still want the flags at low prices,” said Mohammed Ezaz, a 50-year-old flag seller.

Flags, made mostly out of khadi, are sold for anything between Rs 10 and Rs 20. Tricolour bands are priced at Rs 10 and caps are available for Rs 20.

At least two flag sellers said they knew that the occasion being celebrated was the Republic Day.

Mohammed Naushad, who sells flags with his 15-year-old brother Mohammed Imtiaz, said: “I am happy not only because I am earning but also because this allows me to contribute to the day.”

Naushad, a Class X passout, wants to continue his studies. He said he and his brother sell flags because his father Mohammed Akeel, a tailor, had sent them to earn.

Imtiaz, a student of Class IX in a government school, said he was disappointed because he would have to sell flags tomorrow and would thus miss the cultural function at his school.