Often, there are a lot of things that the people living in the local streets want and do not want us to see. Read this blog and try reflecting with the idea that streets have a lot of stories to share with us. Are we ready to hear them?
Streets speak many stories and only the responsible travellers get to hear them. An ignorant traveller, being less observant and informed, may never really grasp the stories that local streets eagerly want to share.
In my recent visit to the cities of Ajmer and Pushkar, I collected a box full of reflections by walking in the local streets of these two beautiful old cities.
Ajmer and Pushkar are two fascinating cities in Rajasthan, India. Ajmer is famous for the Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, while Pushkar is famous for its holy lake and Brahma Temple.
The Chirping Local Streets of Ajmer
Local streets have stories to tell because they are a reflection of the people, culture, and history of the area. When walking through the streets of Ajmer and Pushkar, I noticed that each street has its unique identity and story to tell, which can be discovered through exploration and observation.
Local streets are often the center of community life, where people gather and socialise. They are the arteries of the city, connecting people to their homes, workplaces, and other areas of interest. These streets are often named after historical events, people, or landmarks that have played an important role in shaping the local culture and history.
There is something very charming about the city of Ajmer. Though it is crowded and often full of people, both locals and tourists, it offers a soothing sense of contentment.
The most famous attraction in Ajmer is the Dargah Sharif, which is the tomb of Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. People from all religions visit the Dargah. I walked through the local streets to reach the Dargah, and my experience of walking through the ‘living streets’ was simply enchanting.
The local streets in Ajmer offered me a glimpse into the daily life and customs of the local people, with street vendors selling local foods and crafts, and local events and festivals bringing the community together.
The Peaceful Local Streets of Pushkar
Pushkar is one of the oldest cities in India. When I visited Pushkar, which is around 15 kilometers from the Ajmer Dargah, I felt peace and calm in the air. The chaos of the city of Ajmer started to fade away. I felt very relaxed and exuberant.
The Brahma Temple in Pushkar is a popular attraction and is known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful surroundings. As I walked through the streets of Pushkar, it felt like the architecture of the local streets was telling me its stories, with buildings reflecting the styles and trends of different eras.
Pushkar is also known for its sacred lake, which is believed to have healing powers. Pilgrims come from all over the world to take a dip in the lake during the annual Pushkar Camel Fair.
What I learned from my experiences is that local streets are a microcosm of the community, offering a unique perspective on the local culture, history, and way of life.
Travelling to new places, especially to local streets, can be an incredible opportunity to learn and gain new perspectives.
What local streets want us to see?
1. The authentic local ways of how people live
Local streets often have a rich history and heritage, which can provide insights into the evolution of the place. By exploring the streets, we can learn about the architecture, monuments, and landmarks that define those places.
Local streets are often a melting pot of people from different backgrounds, religions, and cultures. Observing and interacting with people from diverse backgrounds can teach us more about inclusion, tolerance, and empathy.
2. The culture and traditions shared by people
By walking through local streets, we can observe how people dress, interact with each other, and celebrate festivals. These observations can give us insights into the local culture and traditions that are locally shared within and across the communities.
We may notice strangers who are willing to help us, offer us food or accommodation, or simply engage in a friendly conversation. This can teach us about the hospitality and kindness of the local people, introducing us to their warmth and openness.
3. Their real life – challenges and resilience
Walking through the streets can expose us to the challenges faced by the people living in that area. When I absorbed myself in the experience of walking in the streets of Ajmer, I noticed some streets were very small and narrow. Some were not very well-maintained, while others were so tightly packed with small houses that it hardly left any privacy to its inhabitants.
Despite these challenges, I noticed how people still maintain their resilience, determination, and positivity in the face of adversity.
What local streets don’t want us to see?
1. The personal spaces of their inhabitants
Simply, everyone values their privacy and wants to protect it at all costs. Nobody on this planet likes intruders, be it humans or animals.
2. The photographs of their inhabitants being clicked without permission
When people turn into tourists, they often forget about the boundaries that must never be crossed, simply because they are an ‘outsider’. No matter how close you get to the local people in places you visit, consent should always be respected.
3. The streets do not want their inhabitants to be seen as helpless
Everyone is living their life in their own little ways, and judging another person’s life will do no good to us. I felt there were a lot of development-related problems (socio-economic) in the streets I walked through in Ajmer. However, just because the streets were narrow and small doesn’t mean that they are not home to people. Afterall, home is home — a feeling, a place of warmth and love.
Often, people living in a dark one-room house have more bright lives, than those with big mansions living a dull life.
Walking through local streets can be a great opportunity to be present in the moment, by which we can cultivate a deeper appreciation for the beauty of the place and the people living there. So, are you ready to take a journey to local places and streets, and learn from the stories they share?
