Bhagwati Baggi Waale: Keeping Ayodhya’s Iconic Tonga Rides Alive

Ayodhya: 

Ayodhya is seeing rapid makeover ahead of the much-awaited “pran pratishtha” (consecration ceremony) of the Ram Temple. A massive rise in e-rickshaws in the holy city has cast a shadow on the iconic practice of tongas or horse-drawn carts.

Bhagwati, 70, who is fondly known as “Bhagwati baggi wale”, is said to be the last horse-cart driver in the town.

Every morning, Bhagwati and his horse “Babu” leave for work in the hope that the opening of the grand temple and the novelty factor around the horse-drawn carriage will bring in extra income.

Speaking exclusively to NDTV, he explains how e-rickshaws are contributing to the decrease in the popularity of tongas.