While people form an important element of any place’s character, the phenomenon is even more pronounced in Banaras – which it’s said is a city meant more to be experienced than just seen. Always up for friendly chit-chat and going the extra mile (despite their laid-back nature!) to help. Here’s introducing a few of them. A very happy friendship’s day to you all! 

“I left school when I was 11 and have been running this shop now for 7 years. My father has a drinking problem so.. But now, life’s my school and Banaras has great lessons on offer” ….Santosh, at his shop on Rathyatra crossing (text translated from Hindi)

This 12 year old boy has improvised a boat largely out of thermocol and some pieces of wood, on which he sells flower lamps on the Ganga in the evenings to pay for school!

A jolly bunch of under-training pandits, after their early morning Vedic scriptures recitation session in the Kamkoteshwara temple where they stay. The little saffron clad kid – Ashutosh, recited for us the lengthy verses of Swasti Poojan (a welcome aarti of sorts) complete with elaborate hand gestures!

“I usually work as an RJ for Red FM, but commenting amidst such a massive crowd is way more fun!” …Sushil Kumar Mishra ji. Met him while he was picking on peculiar people, shopkeepers & their habits and helping the lost ones find their families in the Rathyatra festival here in Banaras 

“Hum facebook pe nahi hain aapko ye photo ke 4 copies laane honge. Hum aapko shyam mein yahin mil jayenge. Aur ye Sadak nahi Galli hai! :)” Translation – ‘We’re not on Facebook so you’ll have to print 4 copies of the picture. You’ll find us here in the evenings. And this is not a Road, this is a bylane!’