Modernity is making inroads into the traditional practices and lifestyles of people. However, a walk through older portions and a visit to places not so open to modern values can get you glimpses to age old practices and traditions. A typical way of life is the use of shikaras on waterways. Water bodies form the basis for a distinctive lifestyle and you can find people who spend a majority of their life on boats, selling produce and living in houseboats.
It was precisely 4:10 in the morning. I was standing before the beguiling Dal Lake. The water was stagnant, blackish in colour , yet crystal clear . ” madam boat chahiye ? Aapko pura dal lake ghumaunga ! ” this fellow , probably in his 60’s came up to me asking to rent his boat for a sightseeing. After 10 mins , I was in this boat witnessing one of the best panoramas ever . The boat ride was of just 50 mins approximately. But in these 50 mins, I learnt life changing lessons.
People here , rely on their boats for the daily lifestyle. Their daily stipend , come from the boats they use for their work . Agriculture , shops, markets handicrafts etc. All of these are provided on boat ,Even schools . Here , boat is their only means of transport even if they want to go to their neighbors house . From ages 8-80 , everyone is an oracle at rowing a boat.
I have a different level of fascination towards rivers and boats, so this type of lifestyle attracts me way more because its unique and not found in any other place in India. These people are not in a rush, rather they are calm unlike the hustle and bustle of the city. They are jolly people who believe to live their lives to the fullest.
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