Journal Image - Candid Street Photo & Motion Photography

The streets of Calcutta (now politically rechristened Kolkata to inspire patriotic feelings!) is always beaming with life & activity. If someone were to give an impression of the city, they cannot leave the spirits of the city streets.

Apart from the fact that most of them are as old as the city itself, most of them have witnessed happiness, fun, sadness & even India’s fight for freedom.

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The picture here is of Hari. He had always been a folk singer (also known as a baul - pronounced baa-ool) till his age & ailment caught up with him. Now he walks with a limp & sings, rarely, at the nearby temple. He lives a peaceful life, happy with what people offer him for food or clothes.

The baul culture is so deeply entwined with the Indian folk cultures that it is almost hard to see a baul in pain! He did not ask for it, but my brother would always empty his pocketful of changes to people like Hari. I photographed him with the two bucks that my brother offered, & the gratifying look in his eyes.

Filed under: Culture, Kolkata, Life, Lifestyle, Nikon D200, Oriental, Photography, Street Photography, Travel, Writing