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Rakesh Kumar

Rakesh Kumar

Rakesh Kumar is a freelance journalist based in Delhi, India. He writes on topics including travel, food, culture, heritage and lifestyle. His stories are regularly published by CNN, the South China Morning Post, The National and The Statesman, among others.

The streets around the Jama Masjid mosque in the Indian capital’s old quarter are thronged with Muslims celebrating the holy month of Ramadan publicly for the first time in three years.

In India, the art of making pickles has been perfected over generations. It is also big business, with exports up over 700 per cent in the past 10 years.

The Overseas Chinese Commerce of India, published in Kolkata since 1969, was once in much demand from the city’s Chinese population, but the death of its editor leaves questions over its future.

India has a calendar filled with religious festivals, but the pandemic has put a dampener on celebrations. Since March, when a nationwide lockdown was imposed, organisers have had to adapt to the ‘new normal’.

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Jaisalmer’s grand, historical buildings made of yellow sandstone cast a mesmerising golden light over the city. Formerly a major stopover point along the ancient spice trade route, it’s rich culture has made it a popular tourist destination.