City Walk – 5 am Stroll, Baba Kharak Singh Marg
Early morn world. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] There’s something surreal about cold season mornings when the dark light feels like midnight. The clock just struck about five. The November air is veiled in mistiness. Or is that…
Mission Delhi – Devapreeta Jena, Paharganj
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Many of us jot down in our diaries some favourite lines or phrases we run across in novels and poetry. You never know when they…
Home Sweet Home – The Hyperlocal Architecture of Taak, Around Town
A disappearing element. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Consisting of an arch-shaped niche built into the wall, taak is an element of old architecture, now lost to history. Fortunately, a few can still be seen around Delhi, and…
City Food – Chhole Cart, Outside Ambience Mall, Gurgaon
Roadside gourmet. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] There’s an eatery in Paharganj, a heritage restaurant in Connaught Place, a mithai shop in South Extension I, and a roadside shack in Amar Colony. All these spots in Delhi are…
Mission Delhi – Khalil Ahmed, Matia Mahal
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Thanks to the invention of chairs, many of us have forgotten how to sit cross-legged. Or sit with our legs properly postured. Unless, of course,…
City Monument – Barhi Mata Temple, Paharganj
A broken shrine. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] This temple feels like a welcome aberration in central Delhi’s Paharganj—a district avoidable for its crowds and chaos. The small spire is dilapidated, washed of all colours, but looks gorgeously…
Mission Delhi – Sooraj, Central Delhi
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Sooraj is only a child, but the street dogs are nonetheless ganging up on him, snarling menacingly this early morn. He’s not at all scared;…
City Season – The Floss-Silk Bloom, Outside Ambience Mall Driveway
Season’s gift. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] So consoling to the eyes. It’s as if some secret Santa finally took pity on us hapless citizens slow-dying through smog, smoke and dust. And one late night he quietly descended…
City Hangout – Shah Music Center, Meena Bazar
The LP haven. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] All timeless legends are here — Begum Akhtar and The Beatles, the early Michael Jacksons and the early Amitabh Bachchans, the golden oldies of Barbara Streisand as well as rare…
Mission Delhi – Paramjeet Singh Sahni, Connaught Place
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Paramjeet Singh Sahni has never seen any reason to obtain a mobile phone. “I’m myself a mobile, seeking out all my favourite people and venues…
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