Delhi-Gurgaon Toll

Yesterday I had put up trains, today I thought roads would be the way to go. This is the Delhi-Gurgaon toll. While crossing the Delhi-Gurgaon border a toll of 17 ruppees per car is charged. The express highway is a fairly new phenomena in Delhi and I must say that drivers like me love the express highway where the speed seldom drops below the 60km/hr mark and the roads are as wide as possible.

Goods Train

A top angle view of the goods train carrying tonnes of coal. I took this photograph while waiting to receive a relative at the Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station. The thing about the railway stations across India is that they have a life of their own. Its like visiting a mini-city within the City. And everything revolves around just the Trains.

India Gate

INDIA GATE: A symbol that defines Delhi for most.

"Garche hai mulq-e-daccan meN in dinoN qadr-e-suxan.
Kaun Jaye Zauq par dilli ki galiyaaN chhod kar."

Roughly translated from Urdu, this means that although the seat of power has shifted to the south along with all the comforts of the world, who would want to leave the streets of Delhi. This is a couplet (called 'sher' in Urdu) penned by Zauq, a contemporary of the incredible Ghalib. These lines are something that define what Delhi means to a true Delhiite. For a Delhiite there is no other place like Delhi. Nothing, money, power, authority, will attract us away from Delhi. Even though relations might take us all over the world, a Delhiite will always want to return to the place he belongs.

Miss The Winter

Why is it that old days become the good old days and most of us forget to enjoy the days as they happen. When the winters (rather short) were upon us, we kept complaining of the fog, the spine-chilling cold, bulky sweaters etc... but with the sun beginning to scorch, Delhiwalas (me included) have already started missing the winter days, like the one I photographed just 15 days ago or so. This is the footbridge at Pragati Maidan (venue of the India International Trade Fair)

Indian Music Finally Rings In Western Ears

With A R Rahman conquering the Oscars with two wins, I thought it appropriate to post pictures of some Indian musicians. These are rhythm players from North East India. the horizontally played drums have different names depending upon the wood used, leather strength and the states they belong to.

I suggest that those unfamiliar with the brilliance of Rahman surely visit his official site and give his music an ear or two. Lemme know what you think of it. Here is the link.

Earthen Lanterns

These are earthen kandils or lanterns that are used in villages (which still have no electricity) to light up rooms, especially during festivals. I spotted this arrangement in one of the high end restaurants, 'Soul Punjab' in GK-II. It is ironic that something that the poor are forced to resort to in absence of the basic necessity of electricity, affluent use to decorate a high-end grub joint.

It is beautiful, I will give it that.

I.N.A Market

Several apologies for being irregular with my blogging over the past month. Many things kept me away from my favourite set of virtual people and I hope that such a break would not come in future.

This is the I.N.A (Indian National Army) market in South Delhi. It is famous for a variety of high-end eatables. The best thing is that you can get n number of vegetable varieties in this market.

Marathi Wedding

I am back... and here is the couple who kept me away from the blog for over 5 days. This is my best friend Kanchan and her husband Kshiteej just minutes after they were married. The celebration lasted 5 hectic and most enjoyable days ever.

And here I am with the bride after she changed into the saree her mother-in-law gifter her. :-)

Bedsheets, Pillows, Sarojini Nagar Market

These colorful bed cover and pillow cases I spotted in the Sarojini Nagar Market. I liked the way they had arranged it to show the look of the bedsheets and the pillows. The CFL bulb in the fore goes to show that people in India are going green.

Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts

This is the building in Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts. Named after the first woman prime minister of India, Mrs Indira Gandhi, this is a place that is haven for people interested in the diversity of the country. It holds several exhibitions and seminars highlighting the specific regions of the country and even other nations.

Ross- 1 year, 1 Day Old

I failed to pick a favourite from these two photographs and decided to post both of them. Ross was at his best behaviour, and NO Kris, he is not as whiny as David Schwimmer. He is an extremely calm and angelic dog.

After some five biscuits, which he loves to jump and then catch, Ross obliged me to do a photo-shoot in the wee hours today.

Thanks for all your wishes.

And a Bow Wow from Ross, coupled with several wet licks and sniffs. :-)

Happy Birthday Ross!

This is my lil pup, Ross (named after the character Ross from the American Sitcom FRIENDS as he failed to respond to Joey and Chandler)on my lil brother Akshat's chest. This photograph was clicked a almost year ago. Ross was around 22 days old then. Today is his first birthday. Will post his current photograph tomorrow. I had never thought the day would come, when I would say this... But I love dogs and particularly Ross. :-)

BRT At Night

Roads have always held a special place in my heart. Like Robert Kincaid of Bridges of Maddison County was one of the Last Cowboys, I have a strong feeling that I am one of the Last Travelers. Any road gives me a sense of belonging. Although quite a paradox, I find I am most at home when traveling.

This is my own miniature Delhi version of the famous Marine Drive of Mumbai. It is semi-circular, has lights and is beautiful. Instead of the vast Arabic Ocean, this particular section of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) road is filled with a sea of cars.

A happy metaphorical day to all!!!

Canopied Road, New Delhi

This is what separates Delhi from other cities of the country. The plush green trees that form a dense canopy along the roads of New Delhi are my favorite thing about the city, where I was born and grew up. I like this particular shot as I had stopped in the middle of the road to capture this moment when the trees were sieving the morning sunlight. If, heaven forbid, I have to leave Delhi, this is sure to be one of the daily scenes that I would miss the most.

Lemme know the things that define your city for you! :-)

Theme Day: Paths and Passages: Qutb Minar

This is the derelict adjacent to the Qutb Minar. This passage is a pillared shade that the dignitaries used to protect themselves from the scorching summer sun, while visiting the minaret. Paths and passages from around the world await your visit. Click here to view thumbnails for all participants