FACES OF FORTUNE
For a long time, the colossal icon inspired me. When I summoned in my mind, the image would evoke a mystical wonder. Though I have beaten sixty, I had never visited the shrine once. I was speaking about the four-hundred-year-old historical, religiously significant celebration of Hyderabad city – the Charminar.
I have entertained one imagination that it would present a relatively serene religious place with the prayerful devotees kneeling before this Muslim temple. I presumed, gathering the landmark’s tall, bold, imperial portraits.
To my surprise, the moment I stepped out of my car, the scene that descended, I felt a shock of sorts. I have never seen such a mass of people squeezing, shoving, and eager to strike reasonable bargains in the most colorful street markets I have ever seen.
The crossroads tightly packed with people seemed a mix of old and young, women, men and children and curious visitors sprung up like a tide – full of life – sporting a spectrum of smiles, goodwill, and confidence. I have at once noticed a proactive blend of respectable, “you’re welcome attitude’ both in buyers and sellers when I requested with inquiring eyes, “can I click one picture please?” and, wow, I have received the best of their vibes and postures. Their cheerful disposition suggested how relaxed and cushy they were and how I zoomed around with ease, as if I was one among them. The good-humored sellers seemed, when I peered at them through my camera, happy to show a bright face not much bothered about their day’s hardships and uncertain bargains.
Along with an assortment of wares on display, I found the vibrant glimmer of evening sunshine elevating the rich clothing textures, sparkling trinkets. I have noticed an obliging rhythm in the chatter hung on the thriving streets that formed a wave of spiritual human landscape in the shadows of the glorious Charminar.
The competing shoppers and vendors seemed imbued with a life of their own; a will to get along and be supportive, as if they programmed everyone to be good, smiling, kind, and helping each other. Amidst the hustle and bustle, I got a feeling that I was speaking to friendly groups in a festival. Meanwhile, my camera, although people shy, could engage itself to stand by the hardworking yet optimistic dignity of what I wish to call the Faces of Fortune.
