Street Song
Like an
eddying willow leaf
I stand
on the street
and turn:
people,
both ways coming
and going
around me, swirl:
probably I
am no stiller -
detached; but
gold is
coming
into my veins.
Toy Stories
Photographs By Sanyam Varun
Festivals
India. A land of diversity, where a festival is celebrated nearly every month! We love the happiness and vibes these festivals bring, be it decor or fancy feasts or family get togethers. Eid, Christmas or Diwali – they are all celebrated with same gusto and energy.
The festival season comes in when the smell of petrichor is still lingering around, and leaves with the onset of spring. We look forward to the festivals that are yet to come, or wait for those again which have just passed by. Little things, like the warmth of one’s family, the late-night parties, the laughter, the food; every little thing of joy makes a difference.
When covid wasn't around, we'd go back to our families and home towns during long festival weekends. We'd meet up with friends, have a gala time and make memories. But now that we're stuck at home, it's not the same feeling. All we want is to step out again, meet our friends, and have the freedom to pop in a pani puri, or a mithai, without any worries!
Festivals might have gone virtual this year, but the feelings of hope, happiness and togetherness haven't. We're all waiting for a time when things will be back to normal, and we'll be able to celebrate these days of joy again, like we used to!
The Monochromatic Lens
Qayamat
By Shubham Kumar
Qayamat toh har lamha mehsoos hota hai,
Lekin tum kis se puchte ho?
Hum toh yaha saaf saansein le rahe hai,
Hamare liye shanti hai charo taraf,
Maut jaisi shanti, Bohot gehri, Awaaz bhi nahi aati kisi ki,
Aasmann ko dekho toh ekdaam neela hai, Koi daag nahi, Jaise be-daag kaale andhere,
Chhup chhupaye baithe hai sab, Uss intezaar me jisme khuli azad saansein hai, Jaise zeher bhara ho inn kamro me,
Dikkat hai ki tum dur nahi dekh rahe,
Log durr hai ab bhi apne ghar se, Lambe raaston me,
Hatho ko rakh apne aankhon pe, chhao dekhte hain, Har kadam ek umeed ki raah dekhte hain,
Apne bacchon ko goadd me liye chale jaa rahe hai betahasha,
Ussi Intezaar mein ki ghar ki khuli azad saans bhar sake,
Yaad rakhna unn pairo ke chaalo ko
Kyuki hamare iss duniya me, Inki kurbaani bezubaan hai aur Guzra hua waqt dhuaan,
Saaf reh jaati hai toh bas, yeh kagaazi kaamyabi,
Qamayat toh har lamha mehsoos hota hai mujhe. Kya tumhe hota hai?
A Dream called Mumbai
By Malay Vyas
As I looked out of the window of my bogie, I saw a horizon littered with lights, reflecting its shimmering beauty into the dark waters of the Arabian sea. As I neared the horizon, a horizon that turns dreams into reality, buildings, a Chlorophyllic green like they've been washed every single day, started emerging on one side. On the other side, bright white lights of the stations blinked by. With each station waving goodbye, the magnitude of it all- the building, the blinding light- kept increasing.
Just when you think there couldn't be a more compact society, you'd be surprised. Every square inch gobbled by humanity. When I got off at the station, facing the same humanity, I realised that I am now a part of it. I felt like a spec in hay.
Pushing the thoughts to the back of my head, I sighed with relief at the sight of a new, yet familiar concept, the humble autorickshaw. Before I could absorb the tall buildings, take in the broad roads, and adjust to the city’s flashing lights, I reached my destination.
A few weeks passed. I discovered that the place I lived in was practically part of a slum. We were so close, yet so far. It was as if the city understood, respected and cared about everyone. And so did the people. I felt proud to be a part of it.
Months went by. And I realised that to reach the glorious parts of the city, you had to pass through the ugliest ailes of humanity. Disparity over something so meaningless. The city keeps reminding us that life is a struggle until you make it. You can't stop, otherwise you'll be stuck in the murky streets before you even catch a glimpse of the glories this city can offer. I fell in love.
Completed a year. The people of this city are not what they seem. The ‘stalwarts’ would stab you in the back, just for fun; while the “strugglers’ would have your back, because they know how gruelling the climb to the top is. It’s about not stopping. Being at it no matter what. With that, I lived. And this city taught me how to.
First Ballad & Last Negative
By Sharang Sharma
First Ballad and Last Negative is the diary I let people read. An invitation to the sands of my world. This is my first Ballad. Encapsulated. Safe.
Happy Pride - Sartorial
By Sanyam Varun
“As far as my experience goes it was a bit mixed. I was sad that even though 377 was abolished over a year ago we were forced to hold a solidarity meet instead of a celebration of sexuality and togetherness in pretty much an enclosure. But I was happy that so many people showed up and were supportive even though the country is in chaos and it was pretty risky to gather people did it anyway. Which was pretty uplifting.” - Anish
“It was beautiful seeing a space where people could loudly be their happiest selves and finally not hide a single part of who they are.” - Desire
Happy Pride
By Sanyam Varun
On the 2nd of Feb Mumbai saw its 2020 Pride Celebration in Azad Maidan in Colaba. Even though there was discontentment about the fact that Queer Azaadi couldn’t get permission to hold their march at the traditional place of August Kranti Maidan, it was a cheerful and powerful celebration. Smiles, Hugs, Dresses, Placards.
“An overwhelming day full of love, freedom and people” - Saumya Mhatre
“It was a happy fuckin celebration of love!” - Ishaan Khowala
Look up to the clouds - II
By Ananya Dasgupta
What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear 'Mumbai'? Maybe the film industry and the celebs; maybe Marine drive, Juhu Beach or the Arabian Sea; maybe the Mumbai monsoon, or maybe even the Vada Pav. The one thing that comes to my mind is the sky. Take your eyes off the skyscrapers and the sea and look up to see the beautiful blue expanse.
I remember I was on a flight watching the clouds and finding animated characters in them, each cloud had it's own personality.Within few moments the clouds of Mumbai change their colours and shapes - an exciting phenomenon.
I often wonder why people look for happiness in other people when nature has so much to offer. Photography for me is not tiring, but peaceful. I cherish those moments where nature is at it's best and so I capture them. I hope you will be able to live those very moments through my frames.
Dadar
Flower Market
By Komal Mishra
Right outside Dadar station, under the flyover thrives a wholesale flower market, something to stumble upon on the off chance that you aren't consumed by the monotonous routine of the city.
The narrow path is a riot of stands and boards. It's chaotically beautiful, and the hues calm your senses. Watching the bright blossoms in unfurl at 5 AM each morning is a sight to behold. Sellers walk around with overwhelmingly large bushels on their heads to catch the local and supply the flowers to the city.
The beauty of the space is enhanced by the vendors who are surprisingly sweet and make sure you get the right flowers at the right price. I still remember buying 3 dozen roses and 2 dozen lilies at an incredible bargain!
The ideal time to be at the market is between 5 AM to 9 AM, as shops open, it is also the best time to observe how the market composes itself with such speed. If you feel like going for a photowalk try taking various shots, so you don't pass up what you were searching for.
Look up to the clouds
By Ananya Dasgupta
What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear 'Mumbai'? Maybe the film industry and the celebs; maybe Marine drive, Juhu Beach or the Arabian Sea; maybe the Mumbai monsoon, or maybe even the Vada Pav. The one thing that comes to my mind is the sky. Take your eyes off the skyscrapers and the sea and look up to see the beautiful blue expanse.
I remember I was on a flight watching the clouds and finding animated characters in them, each cloud had it's own personality.
I saw how a small pink cloud floated in like a feather and turned the whole sky pink. Unbelievable. Within few moments the clouds of Mumbai change their colours and shapes - an exciting phenomenon.
I often wonder why people look for happiness in other people when nature has so much to offer. Photography for me is not tiring, but peaceful. I cherish those moments where nature is at it's best and so I capture them. I hope you will be able to live those very moments through my frames.
A study in 620 THz
By Ragini Mathur
The photo series was named a study in 620 THz as its inspired by a set of paintings made by my boyfriend. The paintings are a gradient study of the blue spectrum; the colour that has a frequency of 620 THz. The photos are intended to be a study in the same spectrum but with subjects and visual intervals contrasting with other colours.
While he is an artist with his paintbrush, I'd like to believe i'm an artist with my camera.
Madras & Me
By Kadhir Venkatesh
Hi. I'm Kadhir Venkatesh. I'm from Madras, would have probably called it Chennai, but I'm kinda old school. My cousin gifted me a 5D Mark II. I captured everything that convinced my eye.
That's all you need to click a picture.
Period.
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