Here is a photo story which captures a few hues from the
spirit of Kolkata.
The hotel and the cigarette shop. So many people share
limited spaces and coexist.
Early winter morning in Kolkata and the street cart puller is already on the streets looking out for work.
Picture taken on the banks of the river Hooghly captures the stillness of the
city. Things go on at a relatively easy pace and people seem to be content and
focussed on more important spiritual and intellectual matters.
The pile of banana skins on the ground suggests that this
fruit seller has done brisk business since morning. He looks a bit relaxed while
taking this break and may soon get back to handing over the next fruit bowl to
a hungry passer-by, hopefully after washing his hands !
While all others in this scene are busy trying to catch some
action which is going on towards the periphery, the young boy in the middle seems to be
uninterested and preferring a quick body stretch.
Each person in the frame is having some or
the other expression, be it quizzical or smiling, and that is what makes this
photo interesting.
Typical double decker shop on the streets of
Kolkata. The panwalla (betel leaf seller) is occupying the top deck while the chaiwala (tea seller) occupies the basement.
So much happens in so little space on the streets of
Kolkata. A small rundown hotel next to
the shop selling plastic items. The darkness from within the cramped hotel contrasts with the multiple coloured hues of the plastic
pieces.
The fruits in the city of joy are all so sweet, even if they
are sold on the roadside. The man with the sling bag on his shoulder is having
a good fruit break and the fruit seller is busy stacking up the cut fruits in
the golden glow of the afternoon sun.
This tobacco leaf seller is so much at peace with his
life. It is afternoon time and he is enjoying the lull period, reading the
newspaper.
Wonder why we keep on running all the time ! Relax, man !
Joy, faith, stillness, humanity, use whichever adjective you want, but one must say that Kolkata has multiple and, in many senses unique, hues. The ethos of this city is indeed intriguing.
