Faces of Rural women | Village Stories 👵

While passing through the hills in Uttarakhand (India), I got the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. It was an amazing experience to meet new people and know about their life. I even photographed some of them.

In this post, I would like to share about some of the rural women I happened to meet during the journey.

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Eighty-four years old, Amba, lives alone in her home in the forest. Her family died in a bus accident, twenty years ago. But, She doesn't regret anything and enjoys life to the fullest. Most of her time, as she says, goes in relaxing in nature, soaking up the sun and taking care of her cattle which is the only source of her livelihood.

She was on her way to collect fodder for her cattle. She gave me a nice pose with her sickle. Isn't it?

I saw her knitting in the forest, where she goes everyday with her goats. And, While her goats roam and graze in the surrounding area, she enjoys her passion for knitting. It was amazing to see her knit alone, peacefully.

I've noticed that people in remote and hilly regions are quite happy to talk to outsiders and know about them.. You can see how happy she was while talking to a stranger.

Although, It's not yet legal in India, but some people in hilly villages love to grow marijuana for their personal use. I captured her working behind the plants in her house farm.

I met this old woman when she was returning to her house in the forest, after a long day of tiresome walk to the city. She is hundred years old and can still climb in the valley without any hesitation..

And, did you notice her feet. She doesn't even like to wear shoes and walks everywhere barefoot. Crazy. Isn't she?

We met outside a general store and had a pretty good conversation about life in the hills. I loved listening to the rural stories.

I caught her peeking through the window and conversing with the shopkeeper. Watching them bargain for the price was fun.

I've seen that people in villages are quite healthy and strong, even in their old age.. They love to work in their daily life and regard it as worship.

Wild crows often surround the valleys during the day time and make great noises. So, villagers usually come out of their house and talk to them in angry tone so as to disperse them. I captured her doing the same.

She is Leela, owner of a small tourist hut I once stayed in. I captured her photo when she came out to see me off.

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I hope you enjoyed knowing about them. Do share your thoughts in the comments. I would love to hear from your side. Later, I'll be sharing about more people as I meet during my journey. Making new friends while travelling is such a fun.. :)

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Thanks for the visit. Have a great day!