This story celebrates the beauty, simplicity and spirit of this timeless land of Alappuzha, from dawn to dusk.
Alappuzha is more than a place; it’s where life flows with water, golden paddy fields, and sea-borne stories. On this trip, I didn’t just pass through—I lived its essence and became part of its story.
From dawn’s misty backwaters to sunset’s peaceful glow, I witnessed life in its purest form. I watched potters row boats filled with freshly collected clay, shaping them without forgetting the age-old traditions of pottery-making.The fishermen’s sun-worn faces caught my attention as they cast nets with inherited expertise. Meanwhile, farmers toiled in the paddy fields, their dedication linking them to others beyond their community.
In the city’s heart, I saw another side of Alappuzha—its bustling market, vocal vendors, and political art. I felt the strength of women fighting for justice, their voices rising to be seen and heard.
But it wasn’t just the people—birds at sunrise, stray dogs in the evening sun, and countless creatures also brought this place to life. There was a connection between man and nature, past and present, struggle and celebration.
This book is not just about what I observed, it is about what I experienced. It is about Alappuzha, its people, their toil, their joy, their challenges, and the lives they build every day. I learned one thing from them: life is not about who is in front of us, behind us, or next to us. It is about moving forward, embracing the path and continuing the journey.
So, this story settles into a quiet moment and ends with the stillness of the sunset. This is Alappuzha. This is its story. Now, it becomes yours.
- 1. Life in Alappuzha
- 2. Sunlit predators
- 3. Waves of joy
- 4. Spinning coir
- 5. Fields of gold
- 6. Hands of the lagoon
- 7. Switch to town
- 8. Labor and light
Looking back on my journey through Alappuzha, I see more than a trip—it’s life, stories, and traditions that endure. From misty backwaters to bustling streets, every moment reflected hard work, connections, and a world shaped by its people.
Potters, fishermen, farmers, weavers, and shellfish collectors sustained this land for centuries, their labor a tradition shaping Alappuzha’s story.
Beyond work, I found moments that spoke of struggle and perseverance. Women marching for their rights, voices rising, and determined eyes proved Alappuzha embraces both tradition and change.
But amidst the toil and struggle, there was joy too. Children’s laughter by the lighthouse, bird feeding on the beach, and fishermen’s exchanges made life complete. This book is not just a collection of experiences, but a reflection of a world I have briefly stepped into. The people of Alappuzha taught me a priceless philosophy. It was SigmundFreud who said that two things are necessary for human happiness: love and work, and work and love. Even the laziest person in the world cannot remain lazy forever and not a single living being in the world can remain without giving and receiving love. And so, as I leave, I have seen a lot of love and hard work in this land.
With that, my journey ends with a final chapter, but the story of Alappuzha will continue.
Copyrights: All the photos and text in this post are the copyright of Silambarasan Devendiran and Creative Hut Institute of Photography and film. Their reproduction, full or part, is forbidden without the explicit approval of the rightful owners.
