Much like Lost in Translation I had been wandering, walking for a Research Project in Delhi; One of the great historic cities of the world and spans some 10 centuries of its past. Understanding, observing Delhi is both exciting and challenging.
Delhi has had a rich urban past, and what is particularly interesting is the fact that at different points of time several different sites were chosen by various powers/dynasties to found new settlements or cities. Most of them are in ruins but what is important to learn about it is that all even today are accessible. One of them is yesteryears Shahjahanabad, today’s Old Delhi.
Shahjahanabad has been subsumed under the gigantic sprawl of metropolitan Delhi. Yet it has an identity that is distinct from any other. Popularly known as Chandni Chowk or Old Delhi, its name conjures up romantic narrow streets named after almost every thing on earth; maze like with a variety of street food and exotic markets.
But my exploration is not completely about Delhi, its heritage or food but it is on the most ancient living entity that there is, the source itself perhaps; because of which Delhi came into being- the river Yamuna. I shall be talking about it soon in the coming future posts. But Since last fortnight this exploration, research recce before anything starts shaping, I had been walking, floating almost above this sea of a crowd in Old Delhi. This space is so vibrant that it is perpetually under a state of drama everywhere, all the time. Its like romancing with my own city that is a living museum of illusion, more so when nights turn the alchemy on.
Sharing some images of my time in Shahjahanabad and of the river Yamuna.
This place is also called Peeli Kothi i.e. Yellow Palace. As I stood waiting for the sky to turn bluer, this woman arrived and stood like a log in front of my camera. Yet I was able to take a few steps back and see this as a part of the whole.
Its been a record breaking winter past month in Delhi. Temperatures have touched newer lows as I managed to sneak out in extreme cold and fog. Here, near the Wazirabad bridge on Yamuna.
A woman coming from a temple after finishing evening prayers on the Yamuna bank.
A child selling soft candies.
A team during a tea break.
A slum kid posing as a Goddess.
Lokesh Jain at the Yamuna Bank near Nigambodh Ghat
A girl child at Hanuman Mandir, in Old Delhi
Saumyananda Sahi with Lokesh Jain and his team
A portrait of a pandit and his wife sitting near the Yamuna Banks
A street actor transforming into Shiva, as crew looks over.
Bhajan Kitran during Lohri Festival
Gautam Laughing
Women beggars playing mysterious games.
Local labourers singing regional songs on Lohri in Delhi
A young Rikshaw Puller
Children preparing Diyas for the evening prayers at Yamuna Ghat
As I walk in Delhi, I shall be sharing images and texts from various corners and subjects of meaning and importance. Do share how do you like to see this series or have any Questions. Please write in comment or in my mailbox.
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Thank you.
If today is the first time you have arrived on The Road to Nara, you are heartily welcome ~ Namaste
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ROAD TO NARA 
These images are really gorgeous!
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Thanks for your kind words dear Luisa.
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You’re more than welcome 🙏
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Fascinating. I love these images. I want to be there among the people and see their worl
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Thanks Dan. Please come. You are welcome.
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Can’t travel anymore – medical – but I can dream and remember. Thanks to you too.
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O dan, then it is on me to carry your imagery. I will be working on this blog’s video channel. And hope to bring good work.
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I have to come back again, or rather write in your email, Narayan, as I just lost twice the written comments and time because of WordPress madness!
Joanna
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Dear Joanna, i received your mail and felt your deep love and warmth in your observation and your understanding of work and this part of the region.
With gratitude dear Joanna, Thank you.
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You are welcome.
Joanna
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Amazing photos! It seems you’ve captured, not merely images of people, but the soul of Yamuna.
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Thank you AJ. Its an ongoing work. Lots more for myself to engage and see how this turns out.
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You have captured the feel of Delhi. It may be the first place that made a profound impression on me as a child. There were children younger than myself begging in the street and I could not make sense of why our lives were so different. How is one child born into poverty and another into privilege? I had never thought my position was anything but ordinary until I went to SE Asia. I still have not found the answer. I love seeing pictures of your travels.
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Thank you dear Caro. I deeply know how you might have felt but i want to assure you that people, at least most people are blessed with rich inner life of love for and understanding. They may be poor but don’t take it because there is a lack of something rather we enjoy the cosmic chaos this part of the world is.
And Your words are always much dear to me Caro. Thank you.
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Thank you for sharing your thoughts and nicely taken pictures. Namaste 🙏
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Namaste, thank you for being here.
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Nice post. The pictures are beautiful. The first pic of the town looks so historic, like a page out of a history book. You did an amazing job. May God bless your travels.
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Thanks, dear Shaun. Blessings received.
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In this freezing cold you undertook such an arduous task!!!
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Its ongoing dear Geeta. If you like, you may find something interesting here : https://www.facebook.com/thisisnarayankaudinyablog : Please see.
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Narayan, what a heartwarming photo essay! You have captured the essence of Old Deli. The photos of people are so personal and evocative, like being there in person. I enjoyed reading this. ❤ Thank you so much!
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Thank you, Cheryl.
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🌷🍁👍
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🔯❤️🔱
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Wow, I’ve been behind but so have you.. hahaha. I’ll be back soon! 💗
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