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In this archive story we are walking into a Crowded place with Indian people in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
Read the background story of this archive photo by the photographer. |
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Whether you are shy, overstimulated, claustrophobic, agoraphobic or just want to avoid people for the time being, it can be incredibly important to you to avoid crowds of people in India. While crowds are a fact of life, your need to avoid them is valid and okay. Sometimes, crowds are unavoidable, but it is possible to take steps to do everything in your power to avoid them as seen in this photograph from Mumbai. |
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Crowded places in India
India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world and that is something the Indians can be proud of. They can also be proud of the fact that India is the largest democracy in the whole world and has progressed a lot, ever since Independence. Although, despite the growth, one of the struggles India faces is the increasing population. Currently, whopping 1.3 billion people reside in India and it is also the second most populous country in the world, after China and comprises 70 percent of total world's population, with its major cities suffering the most.
What is a crowd?
A crowd is a large group of people that are gathered or considered together. A crowd may be definable through a common purpose or set of emotions, such as at a political rally, a sports event or during looting and this is known as a psychological crowd or may simply be made up of many people going about their business in a busy area and the term the 'Crowd' may sometimes refer to the lower orders of people in general.
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A common occurrence
Crowded places are a common occurrence in our society today. From busy streets to packed malls, these are the places that often bring about a sense of excitement and energy. But what is it about these places that make them so attractive? Crowded places can offer a variety of experiences. For one, they can provide a great opportunity for people watching. In a crowded place, it is easy to observe and appreciate the diversity of people and cultures. It is also a great way to people-watch, as you can easily spot interesting fashion trends, interesting conversations and behavior patterns.
In addition, crowded places can be an incredibly stimulating environment. With so many people around, there is always something to see and do. Whether it is browsing the shops, enjoying a snack or simply taking in the sights, there is always something to keep your attention and crowded places can provide a variety of experiences that can be beneficial to both individuals and businesses. From providing a sense of security to providing a great opportunity for networking, it is no wonder why these areas are so popular. So if you are looking for a place to spend some time, consider visiting a crowded place.
Religious gatherings and other places in India
Sometimes, you will be taken aback by a crowded place, with no warning that there was going to be a crowd at all. Other times, you just flat-out cannot avoid the crowd for whatever reason and maybe it is rush hour at your current location. Because of this, it is important to have coping mechanisms for when you do have to deal with crowds. In order to avoid a crowded area in India in the first place, you are going to have to have a rough idea of how many people tend to gather at the area in question. For instance, religious gatherings are typically jam-packed with people who are all loud and you are almost guaranteed to get jostled around in India.
On the flip side, somewhere like a museum or a library is much quieter and the people in it are less likely to be in clusters. All environments are different and when you walk into a place one can always look for a place to get out if that is of course what you want. Do your best to know about at least two. The street you came in through and another street that you know leads to outside the busy and crowded area or a quieter place.
"The term 'Crowded' means that a place is filled with many or too many people or things a crowded room, theater a beach crowded with people a crowded itinerary. Indian streets, markets and bazaars are jam-packed with people, vehicles and at certain times, animals and streets tend to be narrow"
Mumbai with 22.5 million people
As a photographer and traveler in India it is hard to ignore that some people will unabashedly stare at foreign tourists, who can also be magnets for persistent touts and beggars. People may shove their mobile phone in your face and take pictures and just turn your head. Beggars, especially malnourished children and the badly deformed, can be particularly disturbing. Most visitors quickly get inured to these things and start seeing the good sides too, but take it easy on your first few days and schedule some time to get away from it all.
You should not be surprised to know that Mumbai is the most populated city, after all Mumbai is 'Sapno ki Nagri'. Having the famous prolific industry, Bollywood, people from all over India rush here to make their dreams come true. It is the city where many millionaires live and serve an inspiration to all those who want to make it big. People moving to Mumbai have nothing but hopes to achieve what they want. And yes, there is a lot of traffic. Often people spend hours stuck in traffic congestion, but despite that, the city is known to have its own playful rhythm which apparently, people fall in love with. And then, they do not leave.
Delhi with 18.6 million people
Delhi is the education hub of the country, attracting students from all over India, but, the increasing population is resulting in a strain on the resources and one can ask oneself about why Delhi is so polluted. One of the reasons is the rising vehicular traffic and the city is getting choked and even the crime rate is increasing and one might wonder why people even choose to live here. Well, often there are mentions about helpful strangers and you must have heard, 'Dilli hai Dil Walo Ki'. People here are content with the happening culture and lifestyle contributing to their success stories.
Overpopulation in India is a serious threat to the nation, as it is only adding more woes to the progress of the country and the economic growth would not show results if the small cities get overcrowded, as it only results in dysfunctionality of plans made for improving infrastructure and social welfare.
Other cities in India are not far behind, like chasing rat-race, with both cities having more than 4 million residents. If the situation does not come under control, then India would soon beat China, the country which saved itself by implementing one-child policy for three decades. Foreigners would continue visiting India for photography and leave with their camera roll filled with pictures of poverty-struck people, but would the Indians themselves be proud of their culture then.
Has anything changed in relation to the initial impression? Well, India hits you hard. The quantities of people, the smells, the colors, the size of the towns, the slums, the living in the streets alongside the great wealth. Those who arrive with a narrow mindset, critical and arrogant, will not feel the heart of India and no other place they are visiting and they will not be influenced by the power of India and it does not necessarily mean that you should become Hindu but definitely have a deeper understanding of India.
"With a population of more than 1 billion people, it sure can get crowded in India, especially during festivals and in busy city market areas and these particularly crowded places are both captivating and confronting"
Women travelers in India
In crowded places many things can happen and incidents against female travelers in India are uncommon, however obviously foreign women will attract a lot of unwanted male attention in the form of staring or pointing. This happens mostly in rural areas or small towns. In metropolitan areas, people are used to seeing foreigners so you will just blend in. Dressing modestly in such places will help reduce the amount of unwanted attention you receive, as Indian women dress modestly and by not doing so you invite attention. If asked if you are married, always say "- Yes". Groping is common in some areas, especially in large crowds of people where it may be hard to identify the groper. If you do get groped, it is best to move away as quickly as possible or report to the police rather than engage with the groper.
There have been some rapes of foreign women and highly publicised rapes of Indian women. Avoid walking on streets or lanes without many people after sunset and be cautious when taking a taxi or auto-rickshaw at night and do not take unregistered taxis. Delhi has the second-highest per capita rate of rape in India and please do not let go of your commonsense. As a general rule, you can remember that South and North-East India are much safer places for women when compared to North India.
India has been characterised as one of the countries with the lowest per capita rates of rape, but a large number of rapes go unreported, as elsewhere in the world. The willingness to report rape has increased in recent years, after several incidents of rape received widespread media attention and triggered widespread public protest, prompting the government of India to reform its penal code for crimes of rape and sexual assault.
Most crowded places in India on the photographer's journeys:
• Taj Mahal in Agra
• Chandni Chowk in Delhi
• Juhu Beach in Mumbai
• Chhatrapathi Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai
• Diwali in Varanasi
The photographer's own experience with crowded places in India
"- My first experience with the crowds in India was at the famous Taj Mahal in Agra. I had always dreamt of seeing this magnificent monument in person and was thrilled when I finally got the chance to visit it. However, the sheer number of people at the Taj Mahal was overwhelming. The queues were long and the grounds were packed with tourists, locals and vendors trying to sell their wares. It was almost impossible to move around freely and take in the beauty of the Taj Mahal. But amidst the chaos, I couldn't help but be fascinated by the energy and liveliness of the place. The diverse mix of people, from different parts of the world, all gathered in this one place to admire the same wonder, was a sight to behold. I also saw families and groups of friends having picnics on the grounds, enjoying the warm sun and the company of their loved ones. It was a beautiful sight and I felt grateful to be a part of it", the Photographer says.
"- Another instance of crowdedness that I experienced was at the famous markets of Chandni Chowk in Delhi. As a traveler, I was excited to explore the colorful and bustling markets of the city. Little did I know that it would be an adventure in itself. The streets were packed with peopleand the narrow alleys were filled with vendors selling everything from spices to clothes to souvenirs. The constant honking of vehicles and the shouting of vendors trying to attract customers added to the chaos. It was a sensory overload, but I couldn't help but be swept away by the energy and vibrancy of the place", the Photographer says again.
"- Amidst the crowds, I also encountered some challenges. The commute in crowded places can be quite overwhelming, especially for someone who is not used to it. The local transport systems, such as buses and trains, are usually packed with people and it can be a struggle to find a seat or even stand comfortably. I found myself being pushed and squeezed in all directions, but the locals around me didn't seem to mind it at all. They were used to it, and their calmness in such situations is something I greatly admired. However, what amazed me the most about my experiences in crowded places in India was the sense of community and togetherness that I felt. Despite the chaos and the fast-paced lifestyle, people seemed to have a strong bond and looked out for each other. Strangers came to each other's aid and offered help, whether it was helping someone find their way or offering a seat on a crowded bus", the Photographer says again.
See this video about crowded places in India made by United Nations.
"- My travels in India have taught me to embrace and appreciate crowded places. It may be overwhelming at times, but the experience is like no other. It has also made me realize the importance of respecting personal space and being patient in such situations. I have learned to go with the flow and immerse myself in the vibrant chaos of India. In conclusion, my firsthand experience with crowded places in India has been both challenging and rewarding. It may not be for everyone, but if you are open to embracing the chaos and the energy, it is an experience that you will never forget. India's diverse and bustling crowds truly make it a unique and unforgettable destination", the Photographer says again.
"- As a frequent traveler, I have always been fascinated by the diversity and culture of India. From its vibrant festivals to its ancient temples, this country never ceases to amaze me. However, one aspect of my travels in India that I have always found both thrilling and overwhelming is the crowdedness of its places. I believe that this is how I came to India. Very open to see, listen, absorb and I think that's also why my impression of India has not changed after the visit", the Photographer says again.
Read also: Overpopulation in India
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India is a land full of stories. On every street, on every corner and in the many places in India, life is rushing by you as a photographer with millions of stories to be told. In the archive story above, you hopefully had a readable insight in the story that was behind the photo of a crowd of people in Mumbai. On this website of Kristian Bertel | Photography you can find numerous travel pictures from the photographer. Stories and moments that tell the travel stories of how the photographer captured the specific scene that you see in the picture. The photographer's images have a story behind them, images that all are taken from around India throughout his photo journeys. The archive stories delve into Kristian's personal archive to reveal never-before-seen, including portraits and landscapes beautifully produced snapshots from various travel assignments. The archive is so-far organized into photo stories, this one included, each brought to life by narrative text and full-color photos. Together, these fascinating stories tell a story about the life in India. India, the motherland to many people around the world, a land of unforgetable travel moments. The archive takes viewers on a spectacular visual journey through some of the most stunning photographs to be found in the photographer's archive collection. The photographer culled the images to reflect the many variations on the universal theme of beauty and everyday life in India. By adding these back stories the photographer's work might immensely enhanced the understanding of the photographs.
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