The opulance and the vibrancy of this place never ceases to amaze me. And to think of it, what you see is supposed to be a dormitory for monks!

The dormitory is part of a sizeable temple complex- the oldest temple of the Swaminarayan sect (a devout and wealthy sect within Hinduism) in the world. The temple complex is located in Kalupur, in the heart of old Ahmedabad, at the start of my favourite 2.5km route. The atmosphere, even early in the morning is always festive and loud and noisy; such a marked contrast from the Jumma Masjid (from a couple of posts back) which is usually the end of my route which is always serene and quiet and calming. Two extremes of the spectrum, you might say...

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Nikon F75, 28-110mm
Fuji 100 ISO
2004, Swaminarayan Temple in Kalupur, Ahmedabad, India

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Compositions are, after all, just visuals...
Colours, textures and mood...

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Nikon F75, 28-110mm
Fuji 200 ISO
2004, Streetside in Ahmedabad, India

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One of the many bylanes in and around Kalupur, in the heart of old Ahmedabad. Solitary walker, old temple, languid day- seems straight out of a rennaisance painting. Perfect for picture-making!

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Nikon F75, 28-110mm
Ilford 100 ISO
2004, Ahmedabad, India

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... A datoon and a prayer cap; often that's all a faithful needs!

The Jumma Masjid (or the Friday Mosque) in Ahmedabad never ceases to amaze me. This sight greeted me on my very first visit there- prayer caps and datoons (a kind of low-tech toothbrush made from a neem twig) propped up against many of the multitude of pillars that flank the ablution tank. Apparently it's a regular feature for the devouts to leave these there for a few hours until the next time they have need for it...

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Nikon F75, 28-110mm
Fuji 100 ISO
2004, Jumma Masjid in Ahmedabad, India

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What more is there to say?

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Nikon F75, 28-110mm
Fuji 100 ISO
2004, Streetside in Ahmedabad, India

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A rusty bicycle leaning on a dusty wall bordering a forgotten alley that leads to a cul-de-sac... How lonesome is that?

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Nikon F75, 28-110mm
Fuji 100 ISO
2004, Ahmedabad, India

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The skyline looks so different when you're looking up from a narrow alley. A frequent haunt of mine, early on Sunday mornings, is a charming 2.5km route in the heart of old Ahmedabad. The streets are narrow, the marketplaces quaint and the people, more often than not, curious about the comings and goings of a tall, gangly man more interested in just being there than actually taking any pictures.

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Nikon F75, 28-110mm
Fuji 100 ISO
2004, Ahmedabad, India

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