Traffic is not just a daily routine in India, it is rather a cultural affair. As an outsider, navigating through the traffic of the country seems like navigating through the roots of an old tree. It is not everyone’s cup of masala tea.
Regardless of your mode of transportation, you are a victim and contributor of the chaos. In some cities, the metro is a saviour, but the race for space is not for the weak of heart.
At any given point, there are a number of moving objects from all directions. There are trucks, buses, tempos, cars, auto-rickshaws, motorbikes, scooters, cycle-rickshaws, e-rickshaws, bicycles, fruit carts, cows, dogs and pedestrians all moving at their respective speeds. In some parts of the country you might even find horses and camels sharing the road with you – and if you’re lucky enough you might even see an Elephant just go through the red light.
One thing is for sure, whether driving or just crossing the road, you can’t take your attention away from the moment – not even for a second. Because if you do – well.
The beauty within the chaos is that every element has a character, every road a story and every person a destination – whatever that may be.
Here’s my rendition of traffic in India.
Exhibit A: A rickshaw navigating through a busy street.
Exhibit B: The change for development and the pollution it contributes to.
Exhibit C: And lastly, when you’re ready to escape the city, this picture says it all.
Courtesy: hand-painted bags of aadishop.