Selling smiles on the roadside

By Anita Bhattarai,Kathmandu, Nov. 13: Streets of Lagankhel in Lalitpur fill with the sounds of buses, footsteps, and the cheerful voices of street vendors from early in the morning. Among them stands a man surrounded by bright red cars, bouncing balls, flying helicopters, and soft toys. He is Devendra Rajthala, a 52-year-old toy seller, This man has been bringing smiles to children for the past 19 years.

Devendra’s story is one of patience, hard work, and quiet pride. He started his business nearly two decades ago with a small toy shop in Lagankhel. Back then, the area was less crowded, and his business grew slowly. Children would stop by after school, their eyes lighting up at the neatly arranged toys on the shelves. Life was simple, steady, and predictable. He enjoyed interacting with families and seeing children enjoying with the colourful toys.

Everything changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many small business owners in Nepal, Devendra faced a financial crisis. Lockdowns emptied the streets, and his shop remained closed for months. Devendra found it impossible to manage his rent, so he sold his shop and relocated his business to the roadside with a heavy heart.

“It was difficult to start again,” he says, “but I had to do something to take care of my family.” Despite losing his shop, Devendra never lost his spirit. He began selling toys from a small roadside stall, determined to keep going. Most of his toys come from Maha Bouddha, New Road, and Bhotahity, where he finds affordable items that attract children. His stall is always bright and full of life, a small corner of joy amid the city’s rush, often drawing smiles from passersby.

Devendra lives with his wife, son, and daughter-in-law. His son runs a guest house, and his daughter-in-law works in an NGO, while his wife manages the household with care. Married at 29, Devendra studied up to grade 10 and earns around Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 30,000 rupees a month, enough to cover daily expenses and contribute to the family’s savings.

What keeps Devendra’s family strong is mutual understanding and cooperation. “We talk about everything together and help each other,” he shares proudly. “That’s why we stay happy.” Their bond has helped them face all kinds of challenges, from financial difficulties to daily struggles, with unity and resilience.

Hailed from Hetauda, the family now owns a house in Lagankhel, which Devendra considers his biggest achievement. “When we moved into our new home, I felt proud,” he recalls. “It showed that our hard work was worth it.” His son, now 27, has completed his bachelor’s degree and is building his own path with determination. “My biggest happiness is seeing my family happy and independent,” he says.

Selling toys on the roadside may seem trivial to some, but for Devendra, it is a source of both livelihood and dignity. Every toy he sells carries a bit of joy, a spinning top for one child, a colourful ball for another, or a small car that becomes someone’s favourite plaything. “When children smile after buying a toy, I forget all my tiredness,” he said softly, eyes lighting up at the memory.

Many people hesitate to do roadside work, but Devendra takes pride in what he does. He believes no job is small if done honestly. “People should not look down on others because of their work,” he saids. “Hard work is never shameful.” His words reflect a simple truth often forgotten in today’s fast-moving world.

After nearly two decades in business, Devendra still stands by his stall every morning, arranging toys carefully before the day begins. His hands are used to the routine, his face calm and content. He has turned life’s struggles into quiet strength and continues to serve his community with a smile.

For Devendra Rajthala, success is not measured by money or fame but by peace, family, and self-respect a reminder that true happiness lies not in what we have but in how we live with honesty, gratitude, and a willingness to bring joy to others.