Mission Delhi – Kewal Singh, Paharganj
One of the one percent in 13 million. One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photo by Mayank Austen Soofi] His is an old and very, very rare specialty. Kewal Singh is now applying some final touches…
City Monument – Fatehpuri Mosque, Chandni Chowk
A simple poetry. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Everybody knows Emperor Shah Jahan’s wife Mumtaz Mahal. He built her the Taj Mahal in Agra. Not many of us are aware of Fatehpuri Begum. She, too, was Shah Jahan’s…
City Hangout – Ram Vilas’s Chai Shop, Civil Lines, Gurgaon
Summer refuge. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Some creatures survive a season’s extremity by escaping its soul-sucking fangs. Like the opportunistic Siberian cranes who dump their icy winter-time Siberia for the sunnier climes of our India. And you…
City Faith – Mother Mary in Sari, Khan Market
Mother’s style. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Virgin Mary statues are normally seen dressed in white robes. But there’s a little-known church in central Delhi where she’s aglimmer in blue Kanjeevaram silk sari–draped especially around Easter. At this…
City Life – Sad News Notices, Around Town
On death. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Spreading the word about a loved one’s death can be a delicate business for their families. The news is increasingly shared on social media accounts. Other times, an obituary classified is…
City Monument – Sunder Mahal, Sunder Nursery
A palace of light. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Soft summer light is entering the dark cool corridor as discreetly as a dream invading somebody’s afternoon siesta. This is without doubt one of the most beautiful places in…
City Hangout – Accessible-to-All Garden, Members-Only IIC
Space for all. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] The vibes can be foreboding at the India International Center (IIC). All those security guards. All those spaces you’re not permitted to enter unless you’re a member (or in this…
City Food – Summer Water & Snacks, New Colony Road, Gurgaon
Summer’s friend. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] It’s miserably hot. The blinding white sun is showing no concession. The very air seems to be slowly boiling. A thirsty man is walking on the street when, suddenly, a voice…
City Season – Auto Driver’s Summer Heat, Around Town
Coping with the extremities. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] May and June in Delhi means scorching heat. Sometimes, the brain seems to dissolve if you happen to walk on the road under the noon sun. Every person in…
Mission Delhi – Shyam Lal, Kaka Nagar Garden
One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photo by Mayank Austen Soofi] Gardener Shyam Lal, a fan of arhar dal, is thankful he’s getting wholesome meals. That wasn’t always the case. He’s now opened his lunch box…
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