Seven women from self-help groups (SHGs) in Kigwema village have found an innovative way to support themselves during the ongoing festivities at Kisama Heritage Village. Initially tasked with cleaning the shuttle buses operating between Kohima town and Kisama every morning, the women realized on the first day that the timing left them unable to tend to their fields back home.

“After cleaning the buses, we couldn’t return home in time to work in the fields,” one of the women shared. To make use of their time at the venue, the group pooled their resources and started selling tea to visitors, turning a challenge into an opportunity.

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The women, all mothers, have since adopted a structured approach to their initiative. Two members stay home to prepare tea while the remaining five sell it across the venue. They arrive at the bus stand by 5:30 am, clean the shuttle buses until 7:30 am, and then transition to their tea business. By 10:00 am, they begin selling tea at Kisama, refilling their stock as needed.

The group reported earning a daily profit ranging from ₹3,000 to ₹4,000 at Kigwema village ground and up to ₹5,000 at Kisama, though profits vary depending on the day. “Whether we can do it or not, we tried, and so far, it’s better than doing nothing,” one of the women said.

When asked about payment for their bus-cleaning duties, they expressed hope of being compensated. Their day concludes around 7:30 to 8:30 pm, marking long hours of combined service and entrepreneurship.