The sights, sounds, smell of Old Delhi... the vibrancy... the chaos... and how things just work... the whole market is a labyrinth of smaller markets selling everything from jewellery to auto components to clothes to electrical items to fashion accessories... and some of these wholesale markets are the biggest in the world... absolutely amazing...

The Masjid-i Jahān-Numā, the 'World-reflecting Mosque'), commonly known as the Jama Masjid of Delhi, is the principal mosque of Old Delhi in India. Commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, it is the largest and best-known mosque in India. Construction began in 1650 and was completed in 1656. It lies at the beginning of the Chawri Bazar Road, a very busy central street of Old Delhi. The later name, Jama Masjid, refers to the weekly Friday noon congregation prayers of Muslims, Jummah, which are usually done in a mosque, the "congregational mosque" or "jāma masjid". The courtyard of the mosque can hold up to twenty-five thousand worshippers. The mosque also houses several relics in a closet in the north gate, including an antique copy of the Qur'an written on deer skin.

The Masjid-i Jahān-Numā, the 'World-reflecting Mosque'), commonly known as the Jama Masjid of Delhi, is the principal mosque of Old Delhi in India. Commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, it is the largest and best-known mosque in India. Construction began in 1650 and was completed in 1656. It lies at the beginning of the Chawri Bazar Road, a very busy central street of Old Delhi. The later name, Jama Masjid, refers to the weekly Friday noon congregation prayers of Muslims, Jummah, which are usually done in a mosque, the "congregational mosque" or "jāma masjid". The courtyard of the mosque can hold up to twenty-five thousand worshippers. The mosque also houses several relics in a closet in the north gate, including an antique copy of the Qur'an written on deer skin.

Akali or Nihang Sikh are the armed sikh nomadic warriors.

They are dressed in Royal Blue and weighed down with the weaponry they carry. Traditionally known for their bravery and ruthlessness in the battlefield, the Nihangs were fierce warriors skilled in martial arts and formed the guerrilla squads of the armed forces.

In modern times, the Nihangs are looked upon with great respect and affection among the Sikh community worldwide. While their order now is primarily ceremonial, they are still duty bound to defend their people and faith in times of war.

Akali or Nihang Sikh at the Gurudwara Shri Kesgarh Sahib Anandpur Sahib.

Located near Lal Darwaza in Ahmedabad, the mosque of Sidi Sayed is one of the most prominent mosques in the Ahmedabad city. Constructed in the year 1573, the mosque was established by Sidi Sayed, a slave of Sultan Ahmed Shah. Sidi Sayed mosque in Ahmedabad, India consists of ten semi circular windows, the appeal of which is accentuated by the splendid mesh covering them, which is more popularly known as 'Jali'. 

This monument has gained a worldwide recognition, due to its splendor. This skillfully carved mosque is truly the one of its kinds in the whole world. The Jali screen windows represent the Indo-Saracenic styling, which is admired by people all over the world. Consisting of delicately carved windows, the mosque is known for its stone tracery. The construction work of the Sidi Sayed mosque was taken up in the last year of the Sultanate rule in Gujarat.

This guy just started dancing as soon as he saw my camera pointed in his direction... wouldn't let me go till he finished his dance and milk pouring routine... :)

The mosque Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque) is the most splendid mosque of Ahmedabad, built in 1424 during the reign of Ahmed Shah. Lying in the old party of city, the mosque is situated opposite to Mahatma Gandhi Road, on the eastern side of Teen Darwaza.

Vegetable vendor in Jodhpur... Loved her dress sense, colours, polka dots and attitude!...

Apparently the deepest metro station in the world... Absolutely beautiful...

It was such a pleasure to see this girl enjoying herself with nothing more than a plastic bottle and a leaking tap... the little pleasures of life...!

Zafar Mahal, in Mehrauli village, in South Delhi, India is considered the last monumental structure built as a summer palace during the fading years of the Mughal era. The building has two components namely, the Mahal or the palace, which was built first by Akbar Shah II in the 18th century and the entrance gate that was reconstructed in the 19th century by Bahadur Shah Zafar II, popularly known as “Zafar” (the nom de plume of Bahadur Shah II) meaning ‘Victory’. It has a forlorn history because Bahadur Shah Zafar who wished to be buried at a selected burial ground, precincts of the Zafar Mahal (palace) in Delhi and the famous Dargha of Khwaja Qutubuddin Bakhtiar Kaki, was deported by the British to Rangoon, after the 1857 First War of Indian Independence called the Sepoy Mutiny or Upraising, where he died of old age without any honour.

Zafar Mahal, in Mehrauli village, in South Delhi, India is considered the last monumental structure built as a summer palace during the fading years of the Mughal era. The building has two components namely, the Mahal or the palace, which was built first by Akbar Shah II in the 18th century and the entrance gate that was reconstructed in the 19th century by Bahadur Shah Zafar II, popularly known as “Zafar” (the nom de plume of Bahadur Shah II) meaning ‘Victory’. It has a forlorn history because Bahadur Shah Zafar who wished to be buried at a selected burial ground, precincts of the Zafar Mahal (palace) in Delhi and the famous Dargha of Khwaja Qutubuddin Bakhtiar Kaki, was deported by the British to Rangoon, after the 1857 First War of Indian Independence called the Sepoy Mutiny or Upraising, where he died of old age without any honour.

This guy combed his hair for the 10 minutes that we stood there photographing him... he only shifted focus for 2 secs when I almost had my camera in his face... and he promptly went back to combing his hair... a perfectionist if I ever saw one!

Women collecting for the Gangaur Puja in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.

One of the most important festivals in Rajasthan where the women come together to pray for a good husband if they are unmarried or pray for the health of their husband if they are married...

Newly married women out shopping for Gangaur puja...

Water vendor selling water in the heat of Rajasthan...

Just love the colours and dress sense in vibrant Rajasthan!

Village women in Ghoonghat or Purdah in the middle of nowhere enroute Jodhpur to Jaisalmer...

Lucky to catch this shot of a dog eating the insides of a camel... Gruesome but such is life!

At a 'dhaba' or roadside eatery... In the hinterlands of Punjab...

Absolutely loved his Red Puma watch! :)