This is my India street photography, all taken on a simple iPhone

“Where are you from?”

“Texas.”

**“No, but where are you really from?”**

“I was born in Texas, but my parents are from India.”

My whole life I have answered “Indian” when asked about my heritage. I grew up speaking Hindi and watching Bollywood films, eating my mom and grandmother’s home-cooked Indian food everyday. And despite this, I had never really seen India. Traveling India with the lens of a tourist remained on my bucket list for over a decade. Finally, a couple years back I found the courage to give up my fears and go!

This India street photography captures the breadth and wonder of the country that I was fortunate enough to experience on my 4-month solo trip. I danced at festivals, took sitar lessons, studied yoga and ayurveda, prayed at countless temples, and visited my parents’ hometowns. I went wherever I felt called to go - no agenda, no schedules - just me, my backpack, and complete freedom.

It was everything I had imagined it would be, but also so much more. India is overwhelming, maddening, heart-breaking, and beautiful in a way that words cannot convey. It is 50 countries all wrapped into one. As a first generation child of immigrants, going to India gave me a feeling of pride, of understanding my upbringing and parents with new eyes, and of knowing a sense of belonging that I have never known before. I hope these photos will inspire you to plan your own visit to India!