Went out venturing for some visual treats on the streets, (notice my rhyme?), and much to my surprise the treat turned out to be my ride for the evening – the Indian rickshaw.
Strangely enough, while looking out from the rickshaw , all I ended up noticing was more of them.
The standardised colour scheme used on most Indian rickshaws are yellow and black – the two colours which truly symbolise the essence of Indian streets according to me.
One of the best locations to spot the raw appeal for art in India would have to be the Indian HORN-OK-PLEASE. You got that right, I am referring to the bright, lotus-clad, ‘chintu-pappu‘ named Indian trucks! Almost no two trucks look exactly like each other, which in this world of over standardisation is a breath of fresh air.
This post, however, is not about them. Its about their far twin in Philippines – the Jeepney! The jeepney is a common form of public transport in Philippines. The origin lies in the post-US war days, where the people decided to use the US army tanks creatively by incorporating them into their public transport system. The creative part doesn’t end there though.
Each jeepney exhibits a riot of colours and artistic work, much like its desi cousin. Here are few glimpses of the jeepney:
Image Courtesy: Lotushaus
Image Courtesy: Rjose
Image Courtesy: Genvencampaigns
A little blue door. Doubling up as a gate. What’s on the other side, would never know.
Reminds me of one of my favourites – an old classic – Knocking on Heaven’s Door.
Finally I managed to witness the city at the wee hours of the morning and it was worth trading sleep for the view.
Two young kids playing around on the street with absolutely nothing. This brother-sister duo almost instantly caught my eye because its almost the scene one takes for granted on the streets.
You must know the girl is uber modern name, Monica. Her brother is named Kushal.
Must I say I adore what she is wearing more so the way she pairs it – a kurta paired with a skirt. How many of us grown ups have the confidence to wear comfort with such ease?
Two men who probably hail from a lesser know village – come to the city with their big dreams – between all the hustle bustle of the city noise, watch these men take their gaze at the urban roads.
Still in my mood of the railways, now I present to you another antique ride – the chariot.
What inspires me in these chariots is the detailing in the decoration. Strong colours, small motifs and intricacies are characteristic of almost every creative, Indian art form. Makes me wonder – isn’t there art in everything?
Personally, I am a huge fan of the Indian Railways. What attracts me the most though is the view from outside the window – especially of tracks merging and separating. So poetic, don’t you think?
These photographs were on my way to Mumbai. Will share more from the streets of Mumbai, so stay tuned.
The power woman is back. Today, I came across this wonderful woman who epitomises the labour community of India. Tried to catch her in her element this time amidst her work.
The lady was working at a road construction site nearby. I am in awe of her charm – barefoot, beautifully attired, the gorgeous sunlight reflected in the mud thrown down by her- how could I not share this one as a classic power woman m0ment?
Recently I wrote about the famous yellow taxi being smartly used as a marketing tool. Today we go a step further – a rickshaw which has been cut into half and used as a sugarcane juice churning machine. The ingenious India always manages to pop up about on the streets.
I wish I could have captured a shot of the rickshaw alone but the vendor was quite attached and I didn’t have the heart to make him move.
