Shajanram is a frail little person in his late eighties. Yet he moves gracefully, with the agility of a nearby desert antelope. The thick round glasses lying on his aquiline nose magnify the darkness of his black, almond-shaped eyes. The white beard and long moustache match the uniform colour of his shirt, dhoti, and turban. His smile is spontaneous, frequent and highly infectious, as his kindness.
He bows in respect to welcome guests in the home that he shares with his four sons, their wives and a total of twelve healthy and cheerful grandchildren. Shajanram does not speak a word of English. His facial expressions genuinely convey his feelings, passing through no filter, no social barrier. For the rest, a guide translates his sacred speech.
The most unknown secret of the Lake Palace is a jewel named Sardargarh. Hiding behind gigantic battlements overhanging...
The flight of steps leads down to the sacred water. People are gathered on the ghats to celebrate the abundance...
This journey explores the rich Rajput and Mughal heritage exemplified by the resplendent architecture of North India...
This journey explores the many handicraft traditions ranging from pottery to textiles in the states of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh...
Waves wash down the parched shores of the beach as the sands glisten under the warm sun...
An outsider, overwhelmed by the seemingly chaotic happenings, tends to forget that for the locals it is but a rhythm that they are used to...