flea market? Cj

Waking up at 6.45am for the flea market, it was a little disappointing to discover that it wasn't actually on due to the local elections!  But worth getting up that early to experience the city in a calmer, cooler state.

The Sabarmati River which marks the dividing point between the old city and the new city is also the point where you see the new vision for the city taking shape.  A stark contrast between calm still water reflecting the future of the city, and the industrious sorting of discarded materials across the bank in order to earn a living.  
"The project envisages comprehensive development of both the banks of Sabarmati river. At present, the riverfront lies neglected and characterised by unimaginative and unplanned development. Though it is a major source of water for the city, except for a few months during the monsoon, the river is dry. 

Sewage contaminated storm water outfalls and the dumping of industrial waste pose a major health and environmental hazard. Though the riverbanks provides a place to stay and source of livelihood to many economicallybackward citizens, the riverbank slums are disastrously flood prone and lack basic infrastructure services."  
The Times of India Sabarmati river-front project launched in A’bad, TNN, Apr 14, 2003

This cart reminded me of the gypsy weddings in Ireland, and with the murals on gable ends, somehow I was transported to Belfast...

Flags fluttering in the wind, kids laughing out loud with buckets on their heads and playing games in the heat of the sun reminded me of the community, the reasons for being here, and the work ahead...

There are so many more photos from today on flickr...