Miraakle

i just take some pictures and write some stuff paris - punjab l instagram : miraakle_

[miraakle]

a bit of bombay, a bit of love.

bombay, india. may 2024

[miraakle]

Kathmandu, Nepal.

January 2024.

@miraakle_

[miraakle]

[miraakle]

One of the flashback I had, was when few years back, a much younger version of ourselves were sitting in the living room here, in Paris.

We suddenly started a debate, imagining where everyone would see each other in 10 years. We all had the same vision, of a mature Rahul being cozy alone in his bubble. Sunny being a joyful guy, putting loud punjabi songs while driving. You saw me traveling around, being in a relationship with a gora (nvm). And you, settled down, a young lady happily married.

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[ Wedding photography l Brussels, april 2021 ]

[miraakle]

Viya da ghar • Documenting

Preparation for the ladies sangeet.

[ Wedding photography l Brussels, april 2021 ]

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[miraakle]

Mehndi ceremony • Documenting

Indian weddings are such a journey. Long days of preparation, generally a week of ceremonies and events, plenty of colorful suits and dishes, and much more. 

On her journey to her marriage, one of the first ceremony for the bride is the mehndi rassam / henna ceremony.

As following the traditions, according to what our parents, grand-parents and ancestors used to do back in the motherland, we continue, here, the rassam. Being auspicious, just as a way to wish her prosperity and luck for her new life.

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[ Wedding photography l Brussels, april 2021 ]

[miraakle]

Capturing love.

Sikh wedding, Belgium 2021

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[miraakle]

Dulhan • Documenting

Ig : @miraakle_

[ wedding photography l Brussels, april 2021 ]

[miraakle]

Dulhan • Documenting

Its sort of funny, as usual, how time flies.

During the laavan at the gurdwara, just remembering our conversations about it. How it would be, when it would happen, what is written in our kismat. Felt like it was 3 years back, but just realising that flashback I had, of us in the metro, carefree and wondering about life, was 10 years old.

And here you are now, in that red lehnga, mehndi in your hands, starting a new life.

MUA : @chaymsbeauty

Ig : @miraakle_

[ Wedding photography l Brussels, april 2021 ]

[miraakle]

Dulhan • Documenting

And it finally happened.

That day, we hear about, while growing up, as a young girl. When we will, someday, settle down and get married. Be a part of another family and start our own.

The day, we think about, as becoming a lady. Having a partner we share our life with, joys and sorrows, moments. After being postponed for a year, that wedding under lockdown.

MUA : @chaymsbeauty

Ig : @miraakle_

[ Wedding photography l Brussels, april 2021 ]

[miraakle]

How often do you catch yourself digging up the past.

Thinking about how, at some stage of your life, 

someone can hold such an importance to you, 

being so close to them. 

You share such an intimacy, 

sharing your thoughts, 

ambitions and fears, feelings. 

Your life. 

And since it is just a matter of time, 

things fade away, 

everything is different 

and won't be the same anymore. 

You just get stuck in that time. 

You hold on it, 

just for the sake of what it was, 

lying to yourself.

You just swim in that ocean of memories, 

in what is now, 

some toxic water. 

Paris, october 2020 | @miraakle_

[miraakle]

It felt like reading an old handwritten letter.

maharashtra, august 2020.

[miraakle]

''You know didi, at home, everyone likes It when I sing those old hindi songs, especially my father after having worked hard the whole day. He forgets all the tiredness, and I can see the smile and pride on his face. That is why I want to be a singer. For all the other drivers to listen to me in their car while working, and feel happy.''

Story telling, mumbai 2020.

[miraakle]

Mumbai, may 2020.

An evening during the lockdown.

Ig @miraakle_

[miraakle]

Mumbai, may 2020.

Ig : miraakle_

[miraakle]

Some moments from Mumbai I will always cherish, are those spent with these kids.

Sitting with them and talking, playing, seeing them being nasty around or just fighting, before they go back to work, to sell what they have – a pen, a packet of tissues, earings. I remember them telling me about their favorite hindi movies. Viraj's love for chocolate, and burgers. Veer's favorite subjects at school, maths or sciences. Radhika wanting to be a teacher when she grows up. Them working hard here when they can, to help their family. I remember their stories, of some people they came across, their inhumanity and cruelty, that just made my blood boil.

Life, at times, gives you more than what you expect, and sometimes, just takes away what is needed. Anything that has a value to you, or just something you have a right on. I believe as a child, you have the right to grow up in a healthy and safe environment, surrounded by loving and supportive ones. Life owes you innocence and carefreeness, untainted of burdensome responsibilities or atrocities. What is, sometimes, just taken away, way too early, reflected by worry lines on the forehead.

But everytime we would meet, just seeing them laugh was a good source of oxytocin. Astonished by their maturity, softness and purity. How they would fight with each other to share their juice or food with me or “Didi we won't have”. Just big hearts and bright smiles.

[miraakle]

Zara aana

yahan mere pass,

beth te hain.

Tum aur main

aur do cup chai.

Kuch kahaniyan sunaungi,

kuch tumhari sunungi.

Zara aana

yahan mere pass,

Guzarte hain kuch paal.