City Hangout – Walled City at 4 am, Old Delhi
A new way of seeing. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] The historic Walled City in Old Delhi is an obvious tourist attraction, but presents big problems. During daytime and right into the evening, the place is packed with…
City Food – Kailash Kumar Sharma’s Rajma Chawal Stall, Gurgaon
The taste of hard times. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Consider the setting. A table on the sidewalk, along with two or three chairs. Some three or four dishes, and tree leaves falling down like a slow drizzle….
Our Self-Written Obituaries – Alexander KS, Idukki, Kerala
The 228th death. [Text and photos sent by Alexander KS] Alexander KS was found dead by the chicken pen on Sunday as the church bells rang to the heavens. By the time he was 22, Alexander was sitting on a…
Mission Delhi – Muhammed Zikriya, Chitli Qabar
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] There’s no denying it. Muhammed Zikriya does miss having his own family. But at age 84 is happily reconciled to the good life he created….
City Season – Bougainvilleas in Bloom, Vasant Vihar
The pink season. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Whatever else is going on in the world, there’s something that shouldn’t be missed at this time of the year. To be specific — the flowering of gorgeous bougainvilleas cannot…
City Hangout – Gate No. 3, Civil Lines Metro Station
The summer refuge. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Such happiness when summer makes a perfect marriage with architecture. With the hot season beckoning, it’s none too early figuring out how to remain more or less comfy in torrid…
Our Self-Written Obituaries – Suhasini Soumitra Barman, Calcutta
The 227th death. [Text and photos sent by Suhasini Soumitra Barman] Drunk on memories, laughter and wine, Suhasini Soumitra Barman left for home last night. Back to her father, best friend, partner-in-crime; her whole universe rolled into one. With their…
Mission Delhi – Ajay, Connaught Place
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Shoeshine boy Ajay has a knack for marketing. For starters, his hairstyle is distinctive. The 10-year-old explains that he saw this style in a movie,…
Our Self-Written Obituaries – Anam Fatima, New Friends Colony, Delhi
The 226th death. [Text and photos sent by Anam Fatima] All her life she dreaded early mornings. But for a journey, she’d be up and about in no time. Anam Fatima left this world early this morning. On her bedside…
City Monument – Maulana Shaukat Ali’s Grave, Old Delhi
A milestone in history. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] This morning the simple marble grave in Old Delhi is lined with rotting rose petals and not much else. A historic tombstone but its existence rarely registered. This is…
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