Chandigarh, India

I am so lucky to be able to assist Hafiz Ismail for this Punjabi wedding assignment. Really thankful for the opportunity. It was my first time in India. From LCCT Terminal, we flew with Air Asia X to New Delhi and arrived at Indira Gandhi International Airport. It is a brand new airport. Nice and clean. The flight duration was 5 hours. Only had a pack of snickers for iftar. Well, we thought it would be nice to have a proper meal at the airport as soon as we touch down but unfortunately, there was nothing “proper” to eat hence regretful.

First thing first, we rang a driver whom supposed to fetch us to inform that we are already here. While waiting, Hafiz and I approached the one and only little mobile booth to buy a local simcard for ease of calling. You know roaming is always expensive. After everything settled, we got out of the airport and saw this guy with white Punjabi attire holding a white paper with Hafiz’s name on it and approached him. Out of curiosity, while walking to the car park I asked this guy, “How long does it take from New Delhi to Chandigarh?” Then he replied, “About 5 hours sir”. I looked at Hafiz and was like.. what?! Another 5 hours?! Nooo! Our bum had enough rest.

Well, I was shocked after only 10 minutes of journey when I hear honking everywhere. Front, side and back. Luckily there’s no up but yes it was a nightmare. It was dark and nothing to see so I forced myself to sleep but my eyes just did not want to shut. Put my iPod on and set the volume as high as possible (as long as it doesn’t destroy my ears!). After a few hours, it felt like a dream to be in India. Never had a single thought to capture a Punjabi wedding in India. I must thank my friend, Hafiz Ismail for trusting me to be his second shooter.

Since we did not have much time to walk around the city, we only snapped a few shots while heading back to New Delhi on the last day. It’s a shame because India is a place where you can tell so many stories by photographing the street, people, environment and many more. We will definitely come back (if we’ve got another client from India *wink*).

To me, being in India is like being on a different world. Please don’t get me wrong here. I’m not insulting. I’m just telling how unique the place is and how much I love the food! Honestly, the best food I have ever tasted. Speaking about food, since it is Ramadhan and we are quite particular about halal and stuff, we only had vegetarian meals for sahur and iftar and that was for the entire trip but we did not mind at all. Why? Because the food is so delicious that you cannot resist it.

I must tell you on our way back from Chandigarh to New Delhi was one hell of a journey. For one moment we thought we wouldn’t be able to catch our flight. The main road was closed. There’s another alternative road but it’s going to be 50 km more. We did not have much time. So, we were panicking and the driver also was pressured with the situation, traffic and stuff. All of us did not know what to do but to pray so that we could make it to the airport on time. The taxi driver had enough with all this nonsense so he tried another route. The off-road! Man, that was like in the movie I’m telling you. Bumpy and dusty road, mud everywhere. I felt like screaming but no I did not scream. I just remained silent and pray. Hafiz could not help himself sighing. Even we had a little accident but it was minor hence nothing serious. You know when there’s no way you can move forward because the traffic was like hell and jam-packed, the road was too narrow for 2 ways but still our taxi driver got out of the car, knocked the front car’s window and forced them to move! That was brutal.

The route leaded us back to the main road finally! Ahhh nothing could describe how happy we were at that time. What a relief. Alhamdulillah we made it on time. So, if you want to experience something beyond your mind can think, go to India. It’s worth every penny I can guarantee. It is something you cannot buy. Could be one of the best experience you ever had in your life.

Faris Fakri
Principal Photographer
Faris Fakri Photography (SA0142571-K)
contact@farisfakri.com
+6013 874 0 874