Street Culture

During our first week in Leh, Ladakh, India we encountered and observed many interesting relationships that developed over the years, beginning in the 1970's. A seemingly mixture of various characteristics, such as religion/philosophy, way of life, and various foreign businessmen make up the modern Ladakhi culture. Included below are a few sketches done while experiencing a moment specific to one of the mentioned relationships above.

Image 1 - Local farmers
Many farmers come in from far off villages to sell the fruits of their labor. Primarily apricots are the area's prevalent crop. It can withstand harsh winters while still producing fruit. Many of the villagers return to their farms during the summer, where the winters are spent in their historical homes in Old Leh town. As they sit along busy street sides selling bags of dried apricots, sales at the end of the day make for another promising long winter. (Image 1)


Image 2 - Imported fruits and vegetables
Although there may be a struggle for local farmers to make a few rupees, there is no hesitation for foreign goods to be brought in. Fruits and vegetables travel mainly from Kashmir, a commute of over 150 miles. (Image 2) It is an interesting relationship between the hidden imported food markets that tunnel through the back streets, and the street front local farmers.

Image 3 - Morning rituals - businesses
The area is abundant with Nepali and Tibetan businessmen. Typically the day starts off with the preparation of their store. Goods are delivered and store fronts are swept as well a rinsed down with water collected nearby irrigation ditches. (Image 3) As much as the mornings consist of much preparation the structure of the business itself is very informal. The opening of businesses can range from 8am (the advertised time) to 9am. Image 3 also illustrates the occurring activities within a 20 feet distance from building to building. Pedestrian, vehicular, and stray animal traffic compete to travel through these narrow spaces with the assistance of raging car horns.

Image 4 - Busy street to left and Buddhist temple to right
Amongst all relationships there is the most profound, the strong presence of religious beliefs. The area primarily consists of Buddhists and Muslims. The practices are visual, vocal, and ritualistic throughout the streets. Image four illustrates the relationship of the existing religious practices in a informal and formal place. The businesses border the street edge while a Buddhist temple forms the interior. Interestingly enough most foreign businesses sale Buddhist artifacts that show no knowledge of what it is, even though a full-forced Buddhist practice exists right in their backyard.