A recent boat journey through the backwaters of Kerala was very fascinating. A five-hour journey through the backwaters made me aware of a lifestyle I had never seen before. Sitting on the top deck of the houseboat I kept on clicking to capture the scenes from the day-to -day life of people living on the banks of backwater channels. It was wonderful to get a feel of the lives of the people living there, so totally dependent on the backwaters, and how they cope with the constraints of the lack of easy access to the mainland. People have adapted to carrying out all their daily chores in the water flowing in front of their dwellings. I also noticed how relaxed and laid back their lives were and wondered if all the earthly comforts we seek were worth all the stress in life that we suffer on an ongoing basis.
Note: The photo slides below have been divided into five categories with a headline before each group defining the context. Take your time to go through each individual photograph as most of them tell a story of their own. You can also click on the slider to enlarge the photographs and then scroll through them at your own pace.
All the daily chores are closely linked to the water flowing in front of the dwellings. From washing utensils and clothes to brushing teeth, bathing and even washing the butt after poop, everything takes place at the same spot. With the same water that seems stagnant (but probably is not) and muddy in colour. Their basic hygiene and health must be a serious concern.
Boats are the mainstay of their lives. They are the means of their daily commute and ferrying goods and supplies. Kids too are ferried to/from school by boats.
Life is pretty laid back. No rush for anything. Menfolk are seen reading, smoking, sleeping, gossiping and fishing (for killing time).
Womenfolk find time to connect, be it at child’s school or at ferry stops. Grandparents, as usual, enjoy the company of grand kids.
One can find everything along the banks – a coconut seller, a restaurant, a toddy shop, a post office, a school, a church, a temple, even a rotary club. Surprisingly, even a homeopathic clinic on a boat.
