Chariot for the Gods

Sri Kodanda Ramar temple ther

Almost every Hindu temple has a wooden chariot or “ther” to take out the idols on procession on designated occasions. Though they are used only occasionally, great attention is given to the chariots. Most have very elaborate wooden carvings matching or even surpassing the stone sculptures in beauty. They are also adorned with all ‘alankarams’ when needed: otherwise, they are confined to their sheds. Modern technology is nowadays used for wheels, axles, brakes etc to enhance the safety factor.

The above ‘ther’ is from the Kodanda Rama Temple, West Mambalam. It has recently been spruced up for a festival.

Photographers hunt in threes

Photographers hunt in threes

Photographers of the Chennai Photowalk hunt early before most businesses open and hunt in groups.

The Chennai Photowalk #111 near the CIT Nagar Nandhi statue.

Exactly 100 more days to #MadrasDay 2017

Pet Lovers

Off to the vet with the pet

These two anxious-looking youngsters were rushing their puppy to the Kannammapet pet clinic. Unfortunately, being Sunday the centre was closed. The duo returned disappointed.

The name board of the centre says that it is not only a pet welfare centre but also dog neutering point. A website dated 2013 says that the centre has a dog shelter, dog burial ground, and other facilities – perhaps a first in India. http://bit.ly/2q5uWmV. I am not sure if all the planned amenities are in place.

Chittibabu, the potter

Chittibabu, the pottery seller

Chittibabu, the potter near Kannammapet cemetery used to have his own kiln and pottery here. However, the urban pressures made him abandon the making of pottery. Now he only sells pottery from a small thatched shed. He procures the wares from the districts of TN and Andhra. Despite the truncation of his business he seems to be happy and contended.

The Chennai Photowalk #111. The faces of Chennai

102 days to MadrasDay.

 

AAP Symbol for sale

 

Broom seller

“Who cares if Kejriwal has taken a bribe or he has a spat with the Lt.Governor? I have to start early to earn my livelihood”. This aam admi broomstick seller seems to say.

A scene from Kannammapet (yes, near the cemetery) CIT Nagar. T Nagar.

The Chennai Photowalk # 111

103 days to #MadrasDay.

 

Family for rent

Funny signs

Why worry about privacy and security of Aadhar and PAN cards when you can have family and ‘bacholres’ on hire?

A sign stuck on an electrical junction box (normally monopolized by dull yellow posters offering cure for Piles, impotency etc).

The Chennai photowalk #111 CIT Nagar and Madley road.

105 days to Madras Day 2017

Learning English the easy way

sleeping man in front of English academy

Vivekananda Kalvi Nilayam is one of the biggest and most popular spoken English training institutes in India. They started in a small place near Madley road subway before spreading out to various centres. The old centre is still functioning.

This sleeping man in front of the centre seems to have a different idea of ‘convenient classes’. Who knows, technology may enable us to learn subconsciously while sleeping!

The Chennai Photowalk #111

106 days to Madras Day 2017

Catching up on the news

Shoe repairer catching up on news

Too early for customers. Let us catch up on the news.

A shoe repairer in Egmore on a Sunday morning. Tamil Nadu is also catching up on newspaper reading like Kerala. India is one of the few countries where newspaper circulation has not declined.

The Chennai Photowalk

108 days to Madras Day (22nd August 2017)

Old bungalow of Egmore

Old bungalow of Egmore

One of the many crumbling bungalows of Egmore. This one with a polygonal projected balcony was situated on Gengu Reddy street. A tethered cow in front of the classic structure added to the visual effect as it awaits its inevitable fate.

109 days to #Madras Day (22nd August 2017)

The Chennai Photowalk

Don’t crucify the trees.

A tree with a messages nailed on. The tree is struggling for survival after losing several branches to cyclone Vardah.