Friday, August 14, 2015

Service to the Devotees

For Sale - India Sketch Journal 2014-15 by Meera Rao

Festivals and devotees means an opportunity to sell - from beetle leaves for 'puja' or pleasure to colorful plastic pots, earthenware and sundry household goods galore. The streets are lined up with vendors who anticipate a brisk business around holy days. 

Devotee will get Hungry! India Sketch Journal 2014-15 by Meera Rao

And of course, there has to be freshly made mouthwatering delicacies! A simple stove, couple of gas cylinders, a big black cauldron with hot oil, a pot or two and some utensils are all that was needed for this enterprising cook to open a stall by the footpath! The smell of hot 'pakodas' was inviting and a line was forming even before the first batch was out of the oil! If only I could have scratch and sniff strip right here to complete this vignette!  

Mehendi For the Lady - India Sketch Journal 2014-15 by Meera Rao

A few tubes/cones of 'mehendi' paste and this fellow was in business drawing beautiful elaborate designs on the hands and arms of ladies eager for the stunning look.  I stopped to chat and found out the girl was a muslim bride happy to be taking advantage of the opportunity around a Hindu festival to have 'henna' done couple of days before her marriage ceremony. 

The sketches are done on Moleskine Japanese album (large) in watercolors and pen. 

6 comments:

Carol Blackburn said...

Very interesting sketches, Meera. I love your comment about having a "scratch and sniff strip".....LOL.
Enjoy your day.

padmaja said...

Beautiful observations and expressions Meera.Loved them all! And we get to leave our slippers for free with the vendo from whom we buy the pooja stuff :-)

Sadami said...

Dear Meera, so colourful and vivid! Eye pleasant sketches. I like your capturing of movement and varied angles, too. Well done! It's not easy to sketch these scenes. I admire you. Keep up and have fun. Best wishes, Sadami

Meera Rao said...

Carol, thank you so much ! I am happy that you are enjoying the sketches :) and it is very true that if street side aromas [unfortunately not always pleasant :( ]are an integral part of knowing India!!!

Meera Rao said...

Thanks Padmaja:) always good to have mutual benefits, no ?

Meera Rao said...

Sadami, thank you :) I do refer back to my photographs as I finish my sketches at home !

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