Umbrellas are a much needed accessory in India. During the Monsoon they sprout like mushrooms everywhere. In addition to being used in the usual fashion as a shelter from the rain while standing under them, they commonly pop up over motorcycles and bicycles. This seems odd to us westerners, but it really does keep some of the rain from pouring down on you, because the traffic in the city is generally not moving very fast. This bicyclist wearing the traditional Dhoti, has decided to let the rains subside a bit before peddling on, still with his umbrella held over his head.
Here's another person who has decided to take a break from the onslaught, and answer a call on his mobile phone in front of the Chit Chat hotel. (A hotel is typically not a place to stay but a restaurant, and Chaat is a generic term for snacks prepared by the street cart vendors)
If you don't happen to have an umbrella handy, or just can't afford one, then a plastic sack on top of the head is often used to keep your hair do in place. While on our way back from Pondicherry in the pouring rain, we passed on woman perched sidesaddle on the back of a two wheeler (motorcycle), totally encased in a huge plastic bag. We just hope she was able to get enough oxygen!
Umbrellas are not only seen during the Monsoon season. They provide much needed shade when the tropical sun is beating down on you in the heat of the rest of the year. Occasionally you will hear the cry of a peddler as he walks the streets, selling or repairing used umbrellas.
This ironing cart vendor's child has found a new toy to amuse himself with.
