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  Kashmir Sunrise

  01

  As the sun rises, the vegetable market on the Nigeen Lake buzzes with activity. It looks serene at dawn.

  

  The Journey Begins

  02

  Tourists in Srinagar typically prefer the front of the Dal or Nigeen Lakes, but these backwaters offer the lives and stories of houseboat dwellers.

  

  The Floating Market

  03

  This is the dawn vegetable market on the backwaters. Farmers and vegetable growers assemble every morning to sell their produce.

  

  Produce for Sale

  04

  Flowers and radishes are just a few of the wares on sale today.

  

  Dawn on the Water

  05

  Trees cast their reflections on the Nigeen's surface.

  

  A Gorgeous Gift

  06

  The boatman plucks a gorgeous lotus from the Nigeen and offers it as a vibrant gift.

  

  Entering Rainawari

  07

  The architecture in Kashmir is extraordinary.

  

  Striking Vegetation

  08

  Red carnations cling to a house's brickwork, making a lovely setpiece.

  

  Astonishing Architecture

  09

  This is a breathtaking view of a home in Rainawari. Its dubbs — covered balconies — are quite striking.

  

  Astonishing Architecture — Low Angle

  10

  Here is the same Rainawari home seen from a low angle.

  

  Neighborhood Home

  11

  Two vivid gondolas are chained to a post outside a home.

  

  Colorful Complements

  12

  Orange window panes and magenta flowers give this backwater home an eye-catching aesthetic.

  

  Stunning Home with Shikara

  13

  This is a magnificent house with a shikara — a traditional Kashmiri gondola — beside it.

  

  Pandit's Mansion

  14

  Beautiful mansions, built in the typical Kashmiri architectural style with wood and thin, clay bricks, can be seen from the backwaters. Here is a stunning house in Rainawari which once belonged to a Kashmiri pandit before pandits had to flee Kashmir in the 1990s.

  

  Spring Blossoms

  15

  Here is a flower seller in spring. A myriad of flowers bedeck the Kashmir Valley during summer, so that is when the colors are most brilliant.

  

  Shiv Mandir Temple

  16

  Shiv Mandir, locally called Bod Mandar, is right on the banks of the Nigeen, accessible by steps that lead from the water or road. The pandits of Rainawari flocked to this Shiva temple every day, especially on Herath (Shivratrti).

  

  The Floating Market — Nadrus Seller

  17

  A vegetable seller carries freshly-harvested nadrus (lotus root).

  

  Reedy Pathway

  18

  This walking path leads past the reeds to a house.

  

  Wooden Footbridge

  19

  This wooden bridge provides a dry walking path for those without a boat.

  

  On the Move

  20

  It is common to pass under bridges when gliding across the lake.

  

  Nadiyar Bridge — Approach

  21

  The Nigeen leads to Nadiyar Bridge, Rainawari.

  

  Nadiyar Bridge

  22

  Nadiyar Bridge, Rainawari, is one of the most popular landmarks in downtown Srinagar.

  

  Diamond Shawl Factory

  23

  Kashmir is known for its handspun and handwoven pashmina shawls. Here is one such shawl factory along the backwaters of the Nigeen.

  

  Ferried Flock

  24

  A trader passes through the canal, ferrying his sheep.

  

  Kotarbaaz's Residence

  25

  Pigeon-keeping is a popular occupation in Srinagar. Seen here is a kotarbaaz's (pigeon-keeper’s) home.

  

  Rainawari from Afar

  26

  A long jetty leads to a great community of Rainawari homes.

  

  Morning Fishing

  27

  Early risers sit on a jetty with their fishing tackle, patiently awaiting a nibble.

  

  Kashmiri Breakfast

  27

  Local breads baked by the kandur (baker) in the tandoor (clay oven) are a staple for Kashmiris. They are in every locality. These breads are eaten during breakfast or with evening tea. This is girda slathered with butter and noon chai (salty tea).

  

  Nigeen Unclean

  28

  This would be a magnificent photo opportunity if not for the floating garbage. The water in Kashmir is heavily polluted and little has been done to clean it.

  

  Scenic Selfie

  29

  The Zabarwan Range backdrop makes for a picturesque self-portrait.

Credits
Namrata Wakhloo took these photographs.
Lee Thompson-Kolar edited this piece.