Mission Delhi – Babu Ram, Central Delhi
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Babu Ram has been selling ice cream on Delhi streets since more than 40 years— which give him considerable space for reflection. “I’m trying to…
City Hangout – Hog Market, Rajendra Place
Out of the way. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] This unlikely place feels like an island, very far away from the Delhi of sleek shopping malls and markets. Hog Market is indeed a getaway from nouveau modernity. With…
Our Self-Written Obituaries – Kingshuk Deka, Pune
The 218th death. [Text and photo sent by Kingshuk Deka] Kingshuk Deka always feared what if he were to outlive Luca. The growing cataract in the beautiful feline eyes bothered him. You see, Luca was more than just his pet…
City Faith – Hazrat Shah Turkman Bayabani’s Sufi Shrine, Old Delhi
A hidden landmark. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] This is the whole of it. This small room with pink walls and a white marble grave. The shrine of Sufi saint Hazrat Shah Turkman Bayabani stands unobtrusively beside the…
City Walk – A Journey to Togo, Vasant Vihar
Tracking an elusive land. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Most of us might not claim much knowledge about Togo. But this West African country is right there at the Vasant Vihar Metro station. Sort of. Display signs at…
Our Self-Written Obituaries – Devyani Srivastava, Noida
The 217th death. [Text and photos sent by Devyani Srivastava] She was all of 30 when she left this side of the world. It was an anxiety attack that took her to the stars and the moons. Devyani Srivastava was…
Mission Delhi – Kavita, Sector 14, Gurgaon
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Isn’t it ironic how the most domestic and intimate enterprises of life sometimes take place in everybody’s sight? Take this one: A young mother swinging…
Our Self-Written Obituaries – Ginni Munjal, Karnal, Haryana
The 216th death. [Text and photos sent by Ginni Munjal] Ginni Munjal passed away yesterday when she experienced epiphany while writing the last word of her yet to publish memoirs. It has been understood by her family and friends that…
City Food – Chacha’s Sheermal Rotis, Around Town
The magic roti. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] This sweet milky roti is usually found only in certain neighbourhoods—Okhla in south Delhi or at the Matia Mahal Bazaar in Old Delhi, for instance. Sheermal is said to have…
City Season – The Linum Rockery, Nehru Park
Paradise regained. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] The month of March has just finished its first week. The sky is sunny and the soil is warm. This is our city’s shortlived spring. Absolutely no time to lose. Drop…
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