Jill Gocher - Delhi after Covid

Photo feature

On the surface everything seems to be fine. Businesses are open, masks are affixed firmly to almost every face in the city to avoid the hefty fines administered by the government.

But look in to the eyes of a few and you will see the hardship that has been with much of the population for the past year and a half. Like everywhere it has been a huge challenge. On the bright side, one man, Saral Sharma who has been distributing food and love in the poorer areas during the pandemic has reported that the situation is pretty much under control with almost no covid remaining.

Now restaurants are reopening, hotels are enjoying guests again with added precautions. Street stall wallahs are plying their wares and families are again occupying prime positions on the streets.

While hardships still lie just beneath the surface, the Indians are a resilient people and for me the main feeling I perceived was one of hope.

Yet while Delhi is observing every precaution, on Boarding a Rajasthan bound train, I was surprised to see not a mask in sight. While the train interiors had been stripped of all their soft furnishings - curtains, sheets, blankets and pillows to facilitate disinfecting, not one person was wearing a mask. Even those wearing one on entering the carriages, soon dispensed with them and life carries on.

Hand sanitizer in the metro. Temperatures are checked and the guards sit with king kong sized bottles of hand sanitizer ready to zap any bugs around. © Jill Gocher

The India Gate may be closed for renovations with tractors and hoardings and police bearing serious weaponry but it didn’t stop this young visitor from posing proudly in front of the gateway. © Jill Gocher

A small road block of mask wearing strong men. not sure what they are saying. But their message is clear. © Jill Gocher

In the privacy of their own quarters these Tibetan boys enjoy some late autumn sun while the placid dog watches on. © Jill Gocher

The holy Yamuna which empties into the Ganges may be less than pristine, if not downright polluted, but it doesn’t stop the Siberian seagulls wintering there or the pilgrims who come to make the spiritual dip. © Jill Gocher

Out on the misty Yamuna river, the Siberian seagulls crowd around anyone offering food. © Jill Gocher

This little doggy rests placidly atop a brick pile. A survivor of the pandemic, she has received much kindness as have many dogs in India during these tough times. © Jill Gocher

Restaurants are opening including this elegant classic in Connaught Place, patronised by two gorgeous old women enjoying a late lunch. how I longed to go have a word with them. © Jill Gocher

This beautiful shrine by one of Delhi’s busiest thoroughfares has seen plenty of love during the tough times - and has possibly helped more than one individual survive. © Jill Gocher

Jill Gocher, a Bali based international photographer, has spent her life exploring and enjoying Asian cultures. Her work has appeared in National Geographic, Time, International Herald Tribune, Asia Spa, Discovery, Silver Kris and many more. Her books – Asia’s legendary Hotels, Periplus, Bali- Island of Light – Marshall Cavendish, Indonesia – Islands of the Imagination. Periplus, Australia – the land down under – Times Editions, Singapore, Indonesia – the last paradise – Times Editions. She has held exhibitions in Singapore, Kathmandu, and Bali. Photojournalist + Media Consultant, AmazonPage: www.amazon.com/author/jillgocher instagram jillgocher