When we were in Yana in early March this year to see the Shivaratri celebration we almost ‘ fried’ out in the scorching heat both from the black soil on which we were walking and from the top directly from sun before the halfway! The surrounding western ghat thick forest had the least effect bringing the hear down on us . We quickly needed a break and mouthful of water to get our life back. As we rested under the shade a group of people , looked like all from a single family most of the men and women carrying a big boxes on their head, came walking towards us . I could feel the weight of those boxes from their bulged sweaty necks but they passed us as if they have nothing to do with heat or the weight . We were surprised to see some even carried kids on their shoulder apart from the boxes and bags ! Soon we joined them while they were relaxing on the way and I started conversation with them.
Santosh and his family form Hakki Pikki Tribes who travel various places of Karnataka selling various types of neck chains made from Rudraksha. They travel mostly by buses and walk to various fairs and festivals through the year which happen in Karnataka and make living out of it. During offseason they return to their home town Shimogga to do little bit of agriculture . Hakki Pikki tribes are originally from Gujarath but settled in Karnataka details can be seen here . Santosh is proud of his son who is studying degree in Shimogga and says he do not want his son to become like him traveling and selling to make a living. He hopes he will end his traveling and selling once his son gets a good job and takes care of his family.
It was some wonderful light moments talking to them and getting involved in their little life before they moved on. I was very happy to make some portraits of the gang, they were happy to see the results too!
Yana is famous for these two massive rock outcrops known as the Bhairaveshwara Shikhara and the Mohini Shikhara (“Shikhara” means “hill”). The huge rocks are composed of solid black, crystalline Karst limestone. Bhairaveshwara Shikhara is 120 metres (390 ft) in height, while the Mohini Shikhara, which is smaller, is 90 metres (300 ft) in height. Yana is also well known as a pilgrimage centre because of the cave temple below the Bhairaveshwara Shikhara where a Swayambhu (“self manifested”, or “that which is created by its own accord”) linga has been formed. Water drips from the roof over the linga, adding to the sanctity of the place.
