Delhi Photo Diary

Kuch Meetha Ho Jaye: Delhi Photo Diary Wins 2008 Indibloggies Award

2009-12-15T23:50:50-08:00

I would have loved to click self portraits with me jumping everywhere, my hair running wild and a smile on my face wide enough that you could count my teeth. But in the welfare of humanity I decided against scaring the daylights out of you. The reason for the celebration is that Delhi Photo Diary has won the 2008 Indibloggies Award.

I wish I could have distributed chocolates to everyone who has ever visited Delhi Photo Diary and especially to those who cast their votes. However, since distances do not permit such an extravagance, here is a photo of one of my favourite chocolates. Please have one at your end and think of me while the chocolate melts into your mouth.

'Kuch Meetha Ho Jaye', is Hindi for lets have something sweet. On any occasion of celebration we Indians love to have something sweet.

Thanks a tonne for your votes and support. :D

P.S: The pen is just for artistic effect. :D

Depaul's, Janpath

2009-12-14T09:41:14-08:00

OK! I can't beleive that over a year of Delhi Photo Diary and I have never shown my favourite hangout place - Depaul's to you. This is the place where all, and I mean ALL, college goers have gone at least once to have cold coffee. This is a small coffee shop in Janpath. We have been going to this place for over 10 years now. This is one of the most cherished place of our college lives. The cold coffee at this place is sweet, milky and so yum that the best of cafe's cannot compete with it.

Dirt Art

2009-12-10T23:00:45-08:00

Once a doodler, always a doodler. This is a sketch which I spotted on one of the dust laden water drums on the terrace of my office. I have no idea, who did this. But could identify with the person who would have had had a dirty finger after drawing this masterpiece, since I have been known to doing something similar on the dew laden windows of my car. Will bring my masterpiece some other time. Until then enjoy the Dirt-Art!

Talk To Me!

2009-12-09T07:51:10-08:00

A collection of vintage telephone sets on sale at Janpath, Connaught Place. Note the black and red ones on the bottom left corner. These were sets we had in our homes just some 7-8 years back and now they are vintage. A time will come when my Nokia 7610 (source of this blog) will also been seen on one of these shops. :-)

Tibetan Kitchen

2009-12-06T23:37:56-08:00

Greeted by a wall which had writing which I could not decipher, I was apprehensive of having dinner at Tibetan Kitchen, in Amar Colony. But friends insisted and promised that I would love the food and especially a drink they swear by. So in we went.

Red lighting, lamps with more undecipherable writings and a black and white wall paper, I already liked the place. But I became a fan after the first sip of this drink - which has an unassuming name - lemon, honey and ginger drink. These ingredients are mixed in hot water and voila! U have the best thing you have had ever. If you are in Delhi do check out the small quaint place in Amar Colony. It offers Indian version of Chinese food and a good ambiance to spend an evening.

Nizamuddin Auliya

2009-12-04T03:29:49-08:00

Nestled in the posh South Delhi area, is a different world altogether. A world, where, religion, faith and devotees come together to create a divine experience for a first timer. After requesting my friend for over 2 years to take me to Nizamuddin Auliya, he finally took out time and organised the 2 hour trip to the dargah yesterday.

After parking the car just in front of the Nizamuddin Police Station, we went into a maze of lanes. Just outside of the Dargah we bought flowers, incense sticks and sweets to offer at the holy place.

The place of worship had an ornate golden design on all its walls. Women are not allowed to enter the sacred main hall and so me and another gal pal remained outside, while our guy friend went inside to pay respects and offer the flowers.

The place was jam packed with devotees, wearing their best clothes. The tomb was lit with yellow bulbs and the energy of the place was, at the risk of repeating myself, divine.

The reason, we went yesterday was the special Qawwali, which a group of singers perform every Thursday till 7 o' clock. There were 7 to 9 singers who sang beautiful Qawwalis as hundreds listened in complete awe. Some even joined in. As for me, I sat there mesmerized.

As we were leaving, I spotted this board of Free Dispensary. Nearly all religious places in India provide medical facilities to people, who have limited economic resources.

I left the Auliya with a smile on my face and a promise to return. :-)

Thanks Aswathi and Charu! :-D

Theme Day: Waiting: India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2009

2009-12-01T01:00:24-08:00

I went to India International Trade Fair 2009 last week. There was too much to see and shop but very less time. While, I was waiting for a friend to join me, the battery of my mobile phone went kaput. So I managed to click just 2 photographs.

A robot was waiting to greet us at the Nippo stall.
And here are some coasters made from newspapers at the Sri Lankan stall.

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My Sparkling Wet Delhi

2009-11-30T05:23:03-08:00

www.SpeakBindas.com took my interview for one of their posts. Do let me know, what you think of my answers. :-)

I took these photos a few days ago. I simply love the way the lights of cars, buses etc twinkle when it rains. My sparkling wet Delhi in my rearview mirror.

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Special Treat

2009-11-28T22:00:24-08:00

I have a special treat for Delhi Photo Diary visitors today. The slogan calling on people to light a lamp and fight the darkness in the world greeted the audience, who had come to see the opening play 'Friends' by the Breathing Space group at the International Children's Theater Festival. Below are videos of some portions of the play. The play was special as my younger brother, Akshat was also performing.

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Animal Sightings

2009-11-27T02:55:35-08:00

I LOVE driving on the roads of Delhi. The fellow passengers keep me amused. :-)

A langoor riding a two-wheeler above and horses being carried in a mini-truck. Beautiful animals.

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Delhi Photo Diary In Race for the 2008 Indibloggies Award

2009-11-24T21:33:20-08:00

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My mother calls me every afternoon at around 2:30 pm. It is a daily ritual, which even my colleagues have come to let go unnoticed. The conversation is standard.

Mom: Hello!
Me Hi!
Mom: Hows the day been so far?
Me: Ok!
Mom: Had your lunch?
Me: Yup It was very tasty.
Mom: Anything else?
Me: Nope. See you in the evening.

Today, however, she called and without the customary hello, went on to say, you have been nominated for an award. I always dreamed of winning the Noble Peace Prize but with US President Barack Obama winning this year's honours I had given up hope. My mom's excited tone brought me back to reality and I made a serious attempt to comprehend what she was saying.
Mom: I am sending you the link. Delhi Photo Diary has been nominated to win the Best Indi Photo blog at the 2008 Indibloggies. Go and see.

Me: Ok! Are you sure?
Mom: GO!
Me: YIPEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

Colleagues: WHAT???!!!

To cut the long story short: Delhi Photo Diary has been nominated and the final phase is public poll. This means that all of you, who have over the past year and a half visited the blog, returned and passed it on to others, have the option of voting for it.

Delhi Photo Diary is my attempt to capture my city through my mobile phone camera. :-)

Roses, Ritual, Happy Face

2009-11-23T23:53:42-08:00

I was back at one of my all time favourite Delhi market, the Phool Mandi (flower market) in Connaught Place. This time I knew exactly what I wanted to buy: 108 red roses for a religious ritual. But with so many beautiful flowers all around, keeping focus is difficult. So here are some of my favourite photos from the trip.

This time I found these beautiful decorative items along with colored glass vases in the market as well. These sell at the early morning market for extremely cheap prices. The same vases at malls cost around INR 500 to 600 and here a good bargainer (I am proud to say I am one) can manage to buy one for just INR 50.

I came happy with my purchase. The 108 red roses were offered to the Shivling, in a temple located near my home.And a dozen I gave to one of my very good friends, who also happens to be my colleague. Aditi was happy with the flowers and the gesture increased my points. So everyone was happy.

P.S: Notice the Kinley bottle holding her flowers. Nice idea for a temporary vase, I'd say.

Dastakar Mela

2009-11-12T21:54:32-08:00

Monkeys eating bananas greeted us at Dastakar Mela held in Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, India Gate. My friend and me realized that monkeys and banana were the theme of the fete when we reached this stall.
But, we were not just 'monkeying' around and had gone to feast our eyes and loosen our purse strings on handicraft goodies on display at this annual handicrafts bazaar.

So we bought some bags and bangles:
Looked and praised some statues
Bought some nice earthen pots

Saw a few more monkeys on banana trees
And with hands full of shopping bags bid adieu to the Dastakar and its colours at dusk.

Khadi Gram Udyog

2009-11-10T01:31:29-08:00

This is the Khadi Gram Udyog, Connaught Place. The father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi had promoted Khadi, homespun cotton, during the Indian Independence struggle. Today we have Khadi Gram Udyogs in all the major cities and towns of the country. One can buy not only khadi fabric, ready- made clothes, but also shoes, handmade paper, herbs, jewelry etc.

A friend, who is a colleague and a fellow blogger, did a post on me. Do visit. Exposemaximum for see the photos and interview.

Sansad Bhawan: Parliament Of India

2009-10-29T23:57:33-07:00

This is the view of the Sansad Bhawan, or the Parliament of India from Vijay Chowk. The Parliament is a circular building and is one of the many British architectural gems that adorn the Raisina Hill.

Wrapped Around Your Finger

2009-10-26T23:58:14-07:00

I had decided to gift myself my first Diamonds, this Diwali. This took me to the jewelers, where I selected a ring and asked the jeweler to reduce the size of the ring according to my finger. He took out this whole bunch of rings to find my size. After trying several of them it was found that I am a size 13. :-)

Waiting for all of you to complement my ring! Hehehehe :D

Some Flowers And A Butterfly

2009-10-20T08:24:01-07:00

Delhi is flowering again! And butterflies are here too. Good days are here after the scorching heat.

Diwali In Delhi

2009-10-19T11:20:14-07:00

Happy Diwali to everyone across the globe. May the festival of lights brighten all our lives and bring prosperty to everyone.

There were no celebrations in our house this time, since my paternal grandfather passed away recently. No festivals will be celebrated in our house for the whole of this year.

The city however was as usual in its festive best.

Ansal Plaza decorated with festive lights for Diwali
Pooja (prayer) in office.

Champions League: Delhi Daredevils vs Wayamba

2009-10-15T02:38:54-07:00

These posters greeted us at Feroz Shah Kotla Grounds Sunday evening.

Here is Akshat, my younger brother, cheering for our city team, flag et al.
We were lucky enough to get the front row seats in a stadium which was jam-packed.

Here is a screen shot of the man, Dinesh Karthik, who made the match worthwhile, hitting 3 sixes in 3 balls.

Friends cheering and at the same time posing for the camera.

The fate of the match was decided in favour of the home team and most people left earlier than the presentation ceremony.
Fireworks over the floodlights.

What Fun!

October Theme Day: Contrast

2009-10-01T00:02:06-07:00

I chose this particular photograph for today's theme, keeping the following definition of contrast in mind.

Contrast: The use of opposing elements, such as colors, forms, or lines, in proximity to produce an intensified effect in a work of art. 2. The difference in brightness between the light and dark areas of a picture, such as a photograph or video image.

You can see the North Block in the backdrop and the Rashtrapati Bhawan in the rear-view mirror.
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Durga Pooja

2009-09-28T05:35:39-07:00

These are the drums or dhols, which Bengalis call dhaks. Playing the dhaks is considered auspicious.This is the main idol of the Godess Durga, flanked by her two daughters, Laxmi (Goddess of Wealth) and Saraswati (Goddess of Knowledge).
On her extremes are her two sons, Ganesh and Kartikeya.
This is another form of rangoli, which Bengalis make with red liquid called alta and rice colours. You have seen other forms of rangoli on the blog earlier.

I finally managed to click some photos of the Durga Pooja panadal. Pandal is a huge area covered with tents where the statue of Goddess Durga is set up for the 4 days ending on Dussehra or Vijyadashmi, which is today. This particular pandal is from GK 2, just outside of my office.

Sorry Maya, the traffic woes kept me from going to CR Park this year as well. Hopefully next year.

I had last year shown the way north India celebrates the festival. Durga Pooja on the other hand is a predominantly eastern way of marking the festival. India is truly diverse and being in Delhi rocks as we celebrate all festivities in all forms.

"A time for celebration, A time for victory of good over bad, A time when world see the example of power of good. Let us continue the same “true” spirit.
Blessing of Dussehra to all"

Gurudwara Bala Sahib

2009-09-23T23:23:36-07:00

I was fortunate enough to visit this peaceful holy shrine before sunrise yesterday. Gurudwara Bala Sahib is a beautiful shrine, hidden in the lanes of south Delhi. You can read about the significance of the Gurudwara Bala Sahib here.

I really liked the white building of the Sikh temple with the dark sky for a backdrop.

Nehru Place

2009-09-20T23:37:05-07:00

This is a section of Nehru Place, in South Delhi. It is Delhi's own computer wholesale market. One can buy computers and accessories for comparatively cheaper prices. The difference from market price is significant and the products are of the best quality. So next time you are in Delhi, don;t forget to explore this IT hub.

Golden Ray Of Sun

2009-09-20T06:53:40-07:00

This is the last ray of sun captured beautifully by the glass surface of a building in Connaught Place. This is an office building, which houses the Life Insurance Corporation Of India, better known as LIC.

Oxford Bookstore Cha Bar

2009-09-16T05:05:29-07:00

I absolutely love this place, as I have often said on the blog. I clocked the photo after a long chat session in Oxford Bookstore Cha Bar over the weekend with a dear friend. We talked books, films and tried to solve a few love problems all over hot steaming cups of tea.