Houses at Habba Kadal. Old and New.

Houses at Habba Kadal. Old and New.

written by Vinayak Razdan

Some desolate looking old Kashmiri pandit houses and some new houses in the process of build. I knew we won't be stopping to look at these monuments, we were heading for the temple at Ganpatyaar. So, as the mini-van drove down these ancient lanes of Habba Kadal, I clicked frantically. Terrible thoughts. Everyone glum. Van moves on. Fast. Only good thing: camera had some sort image stabilization that worked, almost.

That top floor is a dub construction - in which you get extra floor space.

 Cry rings out: Batte ghar. Batte ghar.
Gatkaar

 House next door.

Another dub. More floor space. Great joy sitting at the window on a warm and sunny winter day.
How do people manage to take wire free photographs. You won't see them here.

 Two houses in intimate conversation.
Last night food had no salt. When he enquired, she told him, "Old fool, you have lost your mind. Just Eat." So how was your last night. No they don't share bed anymore. So how was your last night.

Old style brick work.

See how the bricks fall in place and window fit in.

A by  lane.

Snubbed out of frame.

New brick work. It means hotter summers.