South Park Street Cemetery

Kolkata is home to one of the oldest non-church cemeteries in the world. I used to spend my time here, taking watercolor lessons beneath a monumental tomb and winding my way through lush greenery and elaborate structures. When I come across a fallen jasmine bloom, I pick it up and press its perfume on my skin. This was once my favorite place within the city; a quiet sanctuary tucked within the heart of Kolkata.

Although along with recent restoration efforts, the number of visitors seems to have increased substantially. Where I once sat alone on a bench, with no one but the crows, the grounds are now littered with packs of young adults scattered throughout, laughing, chatting and posing for the camera.

I just came across this film scan from last year and was reminded of the clean-up efforts– how wonderful to see history restored, but also how disheartening to see its sacredness transform into a backdrop for selfies.