Sarkhej Roza in Ahmedabad: A Photo Essay

Over the years I have come to believe that Muslims are generally prettier than Hindus in India. I also agree that making such a sweeping statement without any study or taking feedback from more people, could render it completely defenseless!

A girl selling these balls outside, they are a big hit inside with kids

A very beautiful woman sitting with her kids, looking thoroughly bored

Anyway as I sat in the huge open space at the Sarkhej Roza mosque (Ahmedabad, of course), I couldn't help thinking about it over and over again. The place was full of people of all age groups, some offering prayers, some playing with Red/ Pink/ Blue balls, some enjoying the impromptu qawwali session, while others just spending a lazy afternoon under a tree and catching up on each other's lives. 

The general ambience

I don't think they even knew each other, they just made an interesting composition. I loved the wall behind them!

The Heena session...

The friendly young man calling out to his friend

The old man was discussing the carvings with the younger one (not seen here)

I looked at some, clicked some, yet spoke to none (except a few kids). It was one of those days when you are at peace with yourself and your surroundings and feel happy to be in a place where you are a complete stranger, yet no one looks at you as an outsider. Even inside the main mazaar, I just sat and relaxed while others welcomed me with smiles.

Look at those innocent eyes! Mashallah!

My favorite little girl, she played football all alone :)

The girl with her mother (I think she loved my camera and gave me a smile :))

Another little beauty!

The high point was the unexpected qawwali in the main courtyard; it was absolutely fantastic, the voices, the songs and the tempo. Maybe I will spend a few more lonely Sunday afternoons there, enjoying the soft breeze under a tree and looking at the beautiful world pass by. And of course taking an occasional picture as well.

The qawwali in session

The praying women (I am not sure if should have clicked them in such a private moment)

Another man prostrating in submission

Just after the evening ceremony (it almost sounded like an arti in a Hindu temple)

Two old women waiting...I loved it!

Many who visit Ahmedabad, skip the Roza and there is nothing more sacrilegious than that! Read a little about the place here and here. Maybe the next time I visit, I will post more images of the structure and let the place cast its magic on you!

-- Siddhartha Joshi