On the roads of India, Peggy Loh comes across 10 interesting sights that reflect the local lifestyle
A homestay experience in India is one of the best ways to observe how the locals live in a residential area like Delhi’s South Extension Part II.
Our host takes on a walking tour of the neighbourhood to show us a shortcut to the provision stores and nearby shopping areas. My family and I are amazed to see an eclectic mix of local businesses alongside international brands in rows of shops with street food and fashion accessory vendors parked on the pavements. There is even a Marks & Spencer outlet in a separate building!
With Delhi as our base, we make day trips to Jaipur in Rajasthan and Agra in Uttar Pradesh to see the Taj Mahal. We have an exciting Indian experience and more, as we walk about, drive around, explore sites and savour the delicious cuisine.
At the end of our stay, we are more than familiar with the constant honking in the streets (despite the many signs reminding drivers not to honk), as part of India’s way of life. Here are 10 things that are happening only in India:
1. FEMALE MANUAL WORKERS
While manual labour is readily available in India, the building construction industry usually employs a female workforce. They must have really strong backs and necks because one of them carried nine bricks on her head!
2. COWS AND THE RIGHT OF WAY
In India, cows are sacred animals, having earned its place of honour in this agricultural region because it provides milk and its manure is used as fertiliser and fuel. Its exalted position gives it the right to roam the streets and we watch in amazement as drivers skillfully avoid near-miss collisions as they steer around these animals on busy streets.
3. COLOURFUL CRISPS AND NUTS
This crisps and nuts vendor near India Gates reminds me of the traditional kacang puteh man who seems to have disappeared from Malaysian cities. I always wonder how the vendor keeps the nuts and crisps fresh in such humid weather as these are stored in open containers. The plastic spoons are not just for decoration but used to spoon the required quantity.
4. CAMEL-DRIVEN CARTS IN RAJASTHAn
On the way to Jaipur, we see many camel-driven carts like this on dedicated lanes that run parallel to the road. At expressway tollgates, we see these graceful working animals joining the queue with trucks, scooters and cars to pay toll. I wonder how much toll each cart pays?
5. “CORN MAN” ROASTING COBS
From the number of such vendors we see, roasted corn-on-the-cob must be a popular snack here. This “corn man” was parked outside a McDonald’s outlet at South-Ex II and customers clearly preferred his corn to the fast food. Charcoal roasted corn must be tasty but why does he roast the corn directly on the burning charcoal?
6. SWEET AND SAVOURY STREET FOOD
Walking around the shops in South-Ex II, I see street food vendors selling fruit juices, chai, fast foods like momos (small dumplings) and other sweet and savoury snacks. This vendor stocks freshly made-gulab jamun, samosa, fried bread pakora and jalebi.
7. BEWARE OF THESE TRUCKS
India is renowned for lawlessness on the roads and some drivers drive in the opposite direction on a dual-carriageway! On our way to Jaipur, we are horrified to see a cement-mixer truck hurtling towards us. We are lucky that our driver managed to leave enough space for the rogue truck to pass.
8. NO HELMETS AND MULTIPLE PASSENGERS
While there are shops selling motorbike helmets, we rarely see riders wearing them. Women pillion riders always sit sideways and kept their saris elegantly tucked around them. On our way back from Agra, I see a rider with not one but three passengers!
9. TRADITIONAL TWO-PAN BALANCE WEIGHING SCALE
Mobile green grocers provide a convenient service in residential areas and I cannot help but pause to look closer at the range of fresh vegetables for sale. While we are familiar with the dacing, it is rare to see a vintage-looking two-pan balance weighing scale. This vendor still uses this traditional balance scale with a range of standard mass weights.
10. THE “IRON MAN”
Too lazy to switch on your electric iron to press your clothes? Then take it to the “iron man” who has been operating his business at South-Ex II for 22 years. It is fascinating to watch the family filling traditional heavy irons with charcoal embers and pressing the garments flawlessly smooth. His daughter, who speaks English, said they charge 4 rupees (25 sen) for a small garment and 5 rupees for a larger piece.