Whilst driving home (yes I can drive here now, at least to nearby places) I spotted this. I had to stop the car and take a photo! I couldn’t believe it…what was it? A range of shoes all over the car! I had seen flowers adorn a car many times for weddings but shoes! Were they trying to sell them? There were three people in the car. As I got out to take the photo and even whilst I was taking the shot, nobody objected or questioned me. It was all a peaceful and a quick process.
Later on I was pondering over this great sighting of mine and I thought, well, it’s like a car- boot sale really. Just an Indian version of a car- boot sale, that’s all! I relented to the fact that, that is what makes India, India. It’s actually embedded in its character and culture and these little “shops” selling facilities make our life convenient.
There are road- side tea stalls for labourers and the general public. In every colony and apartment, there are “under the tree” (tailors who sit under a tree, usually) tailors for fulfilling our emergency stitching needs. Furthermore, we also have our own ironing services right near our houses and apartments who collect our freshly washed clothes and deliver them neatly ironed, ready to be hung in our wardrobes. Come to think of it, it’s a life of little luxuries!
As a family, we travel a lot and personally, I love to going to different places in this country. India is like a box with different colours in each nook and corner waiting to de discovered. I find all this new so I get excited as I can relate to my early childhood days spent here. When travelling, we love eating at the “Dhabas”. They are very basic but the food is freshly cooked and one gets that raw organic feeling when eating it. The hot and crispy Paranthas with various fillings are a treat for any traveller!
A market place is so vibrant and exciting in India, each with its special artefacts to sell. No matter which market place one goes to, there is always something special about it. In Mathura, you’ll find the brass idols of Lord Krishna along with his ornaments and sparkling clothes. Whereas in Rajasthan one can find “Lah” (Indian clay) bangles with mirror- work and gold beads. I am enticed by these bangles and am drawn to them wherever I go. Gujarat has boasts of its patchwork and embroidered beadwork. Each state has each own culture and Handicraft to flaunt.
If it were not for its outdoor markets and stalls, India would not be India. It is just the way it is and I love this place for it!
smritisinhanet 