Encounters from Pushkar
Travelling in Rajasthan in February 2008
Jaipur >> Shekhawati >> Pushkar >> Jaisalmer >> Jodhpur
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At 6.30 in the morning, a thin fog blocked the February sun and I shivered from the cold of the winter. A chai shop on the street came as a blessing. The lanes around the Pushkar lake were very quiet but for a few people gathered around tea shops. The ghats were deserted. I walked aimlessly, questioning my wisdom in waking up so early in the cold when everyone else would have been snugly snoring from under their blankets.
A small group of langoors (black monkeys) sat on the balcony of a garishly painted old building. Obviously uncomfortable in the cold morning, they were huddled closely, trying to stay warm. The young ones were best positioned and most comfortable, staying warm almost completely covered in middle of protective adults.
The group was just trying to wake up, half asleep and half awake, unwilling to give up their comfortable huddle. Once in a while they opened their eyes, looked around with disinterest and closed the eyes again, returning to their early morning dreams. As I stood below and watched and occasionally pointed my long lens at them, a few grew curious and cast a glance at me, but never gave me too much importance. A youngling was especially curious and peered at me time and again to see what am I up to.
A little later that day when the sun just began shining and his warmth was pleasant and desirable, I stopped by for another cup of tea. An elderly baba was seated quietly just besides the chai shop. I bought him a cup of tea and started a conversation.
At some point of time I asked him if I can take his pictures. The genial man consented without any hesitation. But when I aimed the camera at him, he suddenly stopped me, and started adjusting his headgear and getting ready to pose. But I was looking for his natural self and not a posed image. Before he could get himself to pose for me, I kept shooting him as he adjusted the turban, trying to get some candid frames. I only wish I could catch on camera, his approving nod when I showed him the images.
Continued at Pushkar to Jaisalmer