After spending 4 weeks in northeastern India, we headed to the southern city of Benglauru, capital of the state of Karnataka. We would make this our home base for two weeks, with side trips to Goa, Chennai, and Mysuru (photo albums on their way).
Bengaluru, India
Paruldanga, India
For one day and one night, I took a trip to the village of Paruldanga, near Shantiniketan, a few hours outside of Kolkata. There I stayed at the home of Rina and Dibakar Das Baul, spending the evening playing music with them and other members of their community.
Baul Jam Session, Home of Rina & Dibakar Das Baul
Kolkata in 12 Miles, India
One of my most memorable days in Kolkata was a Saturday walk I took on my own, wandering freely for 10 hours and covering 12 miles. At 7am, I started at the Howrah Bridge flower market, explored neighborhoods via major streets and alleys, and witnessed life unfold throughout the day.
Video of the flower market is used in my Otherlands collaboration video with Dipannita Acharya. Video of other daily life can be seen in my Otherlands collaboration video with Arko Mukhaerjee.
Howrah Bridge Flower Market • with Dipannita, Navonil & Tanmoy
Streets of Kolkata • "Manyota dao Jibonke" with Arko Mukhaerjee
Pingla, India
We visited the village of Pingla for a weekend side trip while in Kolkata. They are known for a story telling painting tradition, with a focus on scrolls, relating local, national, and international happenings in addition to mythology. All paints are made from natural sources and they sing the story of the painting. (There are also a few other photos from the trip out and back.)
Kolkata, India (Part 1)
The first month of time in India was spent up in the northwest state of West Bengal, with our home base as Kolkata. It's India's third largest metropolitan area (~14mil.) and is considered by many to be the intellectual, artistic and cultural capital. I absolutely loved exploring this city.
