As the monsoon looms and dark clouds begin to gather, the humble umbrella takes centre stage in the daily lives of people across rural Bengal. For many, it’s a seasonal necessity. For 70-year-old Iman Ali, it’s a way of life.
Every morning, Iman Ali dons his traditional Punjabi outfit and walks six kilometres from his home to a small umbrella shop in the heart of Mymensingh city. There, surrounded by rolls of fabric and the steady rhythm of stitching, he does what he has been doing for over five decades — crafting umbrellas with speed, precision, and passion.
“I’ve been making umbrellas since before independence,” he says, seated in the back of the shop, wearing thick-rimmed glasses as he works swiftly through another order. “I learned this craft from my uncle. At that time, jobs were scarce, so I picked it up out of both necessity and fascination.”
Today, umbrella-making is not just his profession — it's his addiction. “I can’t sit idle anymore,” he says with a chuckle. “Even now, the most time it takes me to make one umbrella is about 15 minutes.”
Working steadily throughout the day, Iman Ali can produce between 36 and 48 umbrellas daily. These umbrellas, assembled with care and consistency, are sent to village markets where they are sold at retail prices. His craftsmanship, once a roadside trade, now continues in a modest shop — Naba Chata — in Mymensingh’s small market area.
“I used to work outdoors before independence,” he recalls. “After the war, I started working at this shop, and I’ve never stopped.” His daily earnings range from 300 to 400 taka — a modest sum, yet enough over the years to support and raise five children.
The peak season, according to Iman, stretches from Falgun to Shraban, when demand for umbrellas surges alongside rising heat and rainfall. For nine months of the year, he dedicates himself to the trade; the remaining months are spent doing other odd jobs.
“I raised and married off all my children with this work,” he says proudly. “Now, it’s more than just a job — it’s who I am.”
His family echoes that sentiment. “He’s been making umbrellas since before we were born,” says his eldest son, Amirul Islam. “We were raised by the strength of his hands.”
Farzana Akhter, his daughter-in-law, adds, “He’s a simple man, deeply dedicated. He’s happiest when he’s working. He rarely takes a break — not even to rest at home.”
The owner of Naba Chata, Nab Kumar Saha, speaks highly of the veteran craftsman. “Iman Ali is one of the most honest and hardworking men I’ve known,” he says. “His skill is unmatched, and we’re fortunate to have him as part of our team.”
In a world driven by automation and speed, Iman Ali’s story is a quiet reminder of the enduring value of craftsmanship, dedication, and pride in one’s work.
As umbrellas open across the countryside this monsoon, many will carry the silent legacy of a man who can make one in just 15 minutes — but has spent a lifetime perfecting the craft.
BDST: 1140 HRS, APR 03, 2025
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