City Moment - Two Dreams, Jacobpura, Gurgaon

City Moment – Two Dreams, Jacobpura, Gurgaon

The memorable instant. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] It’s just a small pavement tea stall at Gurgaon’s Jacobpura in the greater Delhi region, but it is home to at least two dreams — one that did not materialise,…

Mission Delhi - Ramji Das, North Delhi

Mission Delhi – Ramji Das, North Delhi

One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Ramji Das is trying to tie a knot around a metal rod with a raggedy fabric here on this North Delhi pavement. This rod he’ll…

City Monument - Goatskin Mashaks, Old Delhi

City Monument – Goatskin Mashaks, Old Delhi

Finding lost time. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Delhi is changing furiously and yet, a precious souvenir of our vanished past has miraculously survived in a corner of the Walled City. A sidewall at Mushtaqeem Chai Stall, outside…

City Food - White Rasgulla + Double Roti, Around Town

City Food – White Rasgulla + Double Roti, Around Town

An unusual pairing. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Lalta Prasad has been selling this unusual combo of white rasgulla-and-double roti (white bread) that obviously appeals. As a street vendor he’s hawked the specialty for more than 20 years…

City Hangout - Seema & Nasir's Snack Stall, Ghalib Street

City Hangout – Seema & Nasir’s Snack Stall, Ghalib Street

Stall of love. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] It’s so appropriate. They live in a lane named after Delhi’s greatest love poet who penned many verses on mohabbat, mehboob and ishq. Seema and Nasir Nabi of Ghalib Street…

Mission Delhi - Naina Singh, Central Delhi

Mission Delhi – Naina Singh, Central Delhi

One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Loneliness is often feared. And especially when living on your very own in a crowded city like Delhi. But cleaning woman Naina Singh says she’s…

City Life - Hawkers' Closing Hours, Pragati Maidan Metro Station

City Life – Hawkers’ Closing Hours, Pragati Maidan Metro Station

Melancholic time of the day. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Something resembling melancholy tends to settle across the vast city in early evening when the crowded streets rapidly empty. Take, for instance, that path leading to Pragati Maidan…

City Food - Vanshas Candy Cart, Sadar Bazaar, Gurgaon

City Food – Vanshas Candy Cart, Sadar Bazaar, Gurgaon

Childhood rekindled. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] Some experiences belong to only premillennial childhoods. Like being able to spend, and enjoy, an entire day without the smartphone. Or, being addicted to unbranded candies, mouth fresheners and spicy churans…

Our Self-Written Obituaries – Kashiana Singh, Chicago

Our Self-Written Obituaries – Kashiana Singh, Chicago

The 239th death. [Text and photo sent by Kashiana Singh] In leaving as in coming, Kashiana Singh left behind many monochromatic moments. She wrote down a few wishes, on checkered pages (she loved checkered notebooks)in pencilled cursive hand Carpe Diem…

Mission Delhi - Samina, Central Delhi

Mission Delhi – Samina, Central Delhi

One of the one percent in 13 million. [Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi] As a single mother Samina supports herself and her baby, Sufiyan, by begging. And with some success. “I’m earning enough to at least have rotis…