French Rumblings on a Rainy Morning
A photologue on the streets of French Quarters in the coastal town of Pondicherry, based on the stories and history narrated by Sairam Krishnan, a good friend of mine currently writing a book on Pondicherry.
The eerie silence before the cyclone
Cyclone warning being issued to fishermen folk, one of them is returning back home empty handed.
Truth and roughness hiding from the plain sight
Pondicherry sea is generally rough, more so around the Pier. That morning being a rainy one, the ferocity of the sea needed a long exposure capture to look calmer.
Perfect time for a lazy walk
The statue of the ambitious French-India governor of 1700s — Dupleix, overlooking the people enjoying their morning walks in the promenade.
Still waiting for the turn
While most buildings in the French Quarter and near get funds for renovation, there are a handful of such warm coloured buildings in a dilapidated state.
Rains can’t stop me
A morning beach walk is not something that can be taken away from the routine for some people, like the old man here. His morning got even better with the light drizzle keeping most people and tourists indoor allowing him to enjoy the vastness of the sea while on the walk.
A war memorial to the French Soldiers from India in World War I
Closed to the public around the year, the homage to the brave martyrs is beautifully illuminated on the Bastille Day (The French National Day).
“Je ne suis pas perdu ici”
In english it means, “I am not lost here”. Home to a sizeable French population and that most streets in old town Pondicherry being named to French, the French lady would be absolutely at home in this coastal city.
White & Yellow — The charm of Pondicherry
Telling tales of the legendary past, the buildings in the French Quarter narrate the period of colonisation with their architecture. Vibrant yellow marked with white outlines gracing through, magnetize the travellers with their aura.
Yellow being a vibrant color get accentuated more on the wet days of the Monsoon spell. Going there on a rainy day, I saw the streets getting a new lease of life.
Eglise de Notre Dame des (The Church of Our Lady of Angels)
The only church serving French mass in Pondicherry. Simple wooden cross, vibrant colors and a beautiful altar work in a splendid way attracting tourists and those who want offer their prayers.
More visual delights from the Streets of Pondichery
And here is Sairam Krishnan watching the downpour.
Both of us got drenched, but that did not stop Sai from narrating the tales and legends of Pondicherry, or myself from shooting with the camera being protected with just flimsy rain cover.
It was worth it.
