India’s beauty lies in its diversity—where cultures, traditions, and communities blend seamlessly, each adding a unique color to the country’s rich heritage. As someone who has been documenting heritage and traditions, I’ve had the privilege of capturing stories that showcase this shared way of life. One such story is of the Parsi community in India. In Lucknow, we have a well-known and incredibly warm Parsi family who welcomed us into their home, allowing us to document the traditions and small
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India’s beauty lies in its diversity—where cultures, traditions, and communities blend seamlessly, each adding a unique color to the country’s rich heritage. As someone who has been documenting heritage and traditions, I’ve had the privilege of capturing stories that showcase this shared way of life. One such story is of the Parsi community in India. In Lucknow, we have a well-known and incredibly warm Parsi family who welcomed us into their home, allowing us to document the traditions and small
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Lucknow has always been a treasure trove of hidden crafts and stories, and today I came across one that truly stands out. Meet Mohammad Hussain, the last artisan in Lucknow who crafts silver sandals. This is not just a profession for him but a legacy passed down through generations. His ancestors migrated from Iran to Amroha, and from there, they eventually settled in Lucknow. Back in the Nawabi era, silver shoes were a symbol of grandeur, and today, they have found their place in weddings. Crea
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Lucknow has always been a treasure trove of hidden crafts and stories, and today I came across one that truly stands out. Meet Mohammad Hussain, the last artisan in Lucknow who crafts silver sandals. This is not just a profession for him but a legacy passed down through generations. His ancestors migrated from Iran to Amroha, and from there, they eventually settled in Lucknow. Back in the Nawabi era, silver shoes were a symbol of grandeur, and today, they have found their place in weddings. Crea
479.8K viewsDec 4, 2024
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A few days ago, a reel caught my attention on my feed. It was created by my fellow Lucknowite, @shubh.tales, who had documented the inspiring story of Ishtiaq Ali, an elderly man from Lucknow who beautifully represents the essence of Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb. Intrigued by the story, I couldn’t resist meeting him to learn more. Ishtiaq started working at the tender age of 13 as a carpenter, a skill passed down by his brothers. He would carve intricate patterns on doors and windows, a craft he mastere
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A few days ago, a reel caught my attention on my feed. It was created by my fellow Lucknowite, @shubh.tales, who had documented the inspiring story of Ishtiaq Ali, an elderly man from Lucknow who beautifully represents the essence of Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb. Intrigued by the story, I couldn’t resist meeting him to learn more. Ishtiaq started working at the tender age of 13 as a carpenter, a skill passed down by his brothers. He would carve intricate patterns on doors and windows, a craft he mastere
38.9K viewsSep 9, 2024
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As you all know, I’ve been documenting the culture and traditions of Lucknow, and one of the places closest to my heart is the Mahmudabad House. It’s a space that I feel holds on to its customs and traditions in a way that’s rare to see in today’s time. Whenever I post videos about it, many of you ask me how you can access it and experience it for yourselves. And now, I feel the right time has finally come. The House of Mahmudabad, along with Chef Taiyaba, Aarohi, and Afzal, has curated somethin
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As you all know, I’ve been documenting the culture and traditions of Lucknow, and one of the places closest to my heart is the Mahmudabad House. It’s a space that I feel holds on to its customs and traditions in a way that’s rare to see in today’s time. Whenever I post videos about it, many of you ask me how you can access it and experience it for yourselves. And now, I feel the right time has finally come. The House of Mahmudabad, along with Chef Taiyaba, Aarohi, and Afzal, has curated somethin
26.3K viewsJan 27, 2025
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I’ve always believed that stories should be told through the people who live them. Growing up in Awadh, I often heard from my parents and elders about how Basant Panchami is celebrated not just in temples but also at Sufi shrines. It fascinated me, and I knew I had to document it someday. But instead of just narrating the story myself, I wanted to hear it from someone who has lived this tradition—someone who carries it forward through his art. So, we spoke to Arshad Hussain Qawwal, @official_ars
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I’ve always believed that stories should be told through the people who live them. Growing up in Awadh, I often heard from my parents and elders about how Basant Panchami is celebrated not just in temples but also at Sufi shrines. It fascinated me, and I knew I had to document it someday. But instead of just narrating the story myself, I wanted to hear it from someone who has lived this tradition—someone who carries it forward through his art. So, we spoke to Arshad Hussain Qawwal, @official_ars
23K viewsFeb 2, 2025
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When we started this journey of documenting artisans and their art forms, I noticed something — most of the stories we hear focus on the challenges, the hardships, and how difficult it is for artisans to sustain themselves today. But as I spent more time working closely with them, I realized there’s another side — a stronger, more beautiful side — the story of their perseverance, their passion, and their commitment to what they love. Today’s story is about one such artisan — Mr. Azeem Haider, on
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When we started this journey of documenting artisans and their art forms, I noticed something — most of the stories we hear focus on the challenges, the hardships, and how difficult it is for artisans to sustain themselves today. But as I spent more time working closely with them, I realized there’s another side — a stronger, more beautiful side — the story of their perseverance, their passion, and their commitment to what they love. Today’s story is about one such artisan — Mr. Azeem Haider, on
61.3K viewsApr 25, 2025
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As I navigate through the rich mosaic of India’s cities and communities, my content creation journey intertwines deeply with travel. This odyssey has not just broadened my horizons but also reshaped my perspective on the intrinsic bond between food and culture. Food, I believe, is not just a culinary delight but a vibrant identity marker of a community, influenced by a myriad of factors. In my extensive travels last year, covering over 150 cities across India, I unearthed a personal revelation:
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The identity of the artisan interviewed in this video has been kept hidden to ensure she is not humiliated or targeted after its release. I have been documenting Lucknow’s Chikankari for a long time now—both for my own page and for various brands. Over the years, I’ve always portrayed the romanticized side of this craft, showcasing how the city’s nazakat (delicacy) and nafasat (elegance) make this art form so unique and beautiful. But every time I visited the kaarigars (artisans) and karkhanas (
19.6K viewsDec 12, 2024
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In the narrow lanes of Lucknow, behind the shimmer of bridal lehengas and regal sherwanis, sit the hands that stitch stories—one thread at a time. This is the story of a Zardozi artisan. A man who began as a shagird (apprentice) in his childhood and took fifteen years to truly understand the depth of this art. Once done entirely with real silver threads—dabka, naqshi, and kalapattu—this craft has now shifted to artificial materials as the times changed. But what hasn’t changed is the mehnat. Twe
107.7K viewsApr 16, 2025
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Some places are not just known on the map — they’re remembered for their flavours and the memories they hold. In Nigoha, there’s a small shop where the owner proudly says, “My father used to tell me that even Atal Bihari Vajpayee once stopped here for pakoras.” He still has customers who’ve been coming for 25–30 years, stopping by on their way from Raebareli just to eat here. They serve paneer pakoras, mirchi pakoras, tikki, and chai — all made with their own freshly prepared gram flour, never s
79.3K views9 months ago
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In a small town in Telangana — called Pochampalli — the sound of looms feels like an old lullaby. This isn’t just weaving. It’s a legacy, a tradition, and a story tied into every single thread. The weavers here — some elderly men, some quietly working women — have given decades of their lives to this craft. And when you watch them at work, it feels like they’re not just weaving patterns, they’re weaving time. Pochampalli’s double ikkat is no ordinary art. The design is imagined first. Then, the
166.4K viewsApr 14, 2025
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In the heart of Lucknow, where tradition and craftsmanship intertwine like delicate threads, Aamna Khatoon has spent the last 40 years preserving a legacy—one stitch at a time. She learned the art of making chatapati ghararas from her khala (aunt), a skill passed down through generations. For Aamna, this is more than just fabric and embroidery; it is a story woven with patience, precision, and dedication. “Each piece takes a month to complete,” she says, her hands expertly aligning folds and sti
3.2M viewsFeb 8, 2025
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As many of you already know, Lucknow is a paradise for those with a sweet tooth. From traditional mithais to sevai, shahi tukda, and more — the city has an unmatched love affair with desserts. But there’s one delicacy that truly defines the Lucknowi andaaz — Malai Paan Gilauri. There’s an old tale that when the Nawabs were advised to stay away from tobacco, this delicate, melt-in-the-mouth malai gilauri was created as a substitute for paan. And from that moment on, it became an inseparable part
1.2M viewsMay 8, 2025
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Did you know about Maut ka Kuan? The thrilling well of death where riders defy gravity and fear with every spin. 🇮🇳 If this gave you goosebumps, share it because India is not for beginners. | Maroof Culmen
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As this year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting not on numbers or milestones, but on people. Over the past year, we documented many stories of artisans. What began as an effort to share their craft slowly became something much deeper. These stories did not just bring work. They brought visibility. They brought attention. Most importantly, they brought the respect these artisans have always deserved. Through these videos, people began to recognise the hands behind the craft. They started
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The rains have begun — not everywhere, but they’ve made their way into many parts of India. And while the monsoon may still be taking its time in the North, our cravings have arrived right on time. So here’s a little edit of 5 things you just can’t miss this season. From Pyaaz ki Pakodi to Andarse ki Goli, Tapri ki Chai to Jamun and Bhutta — if you’ve spent even one monsoon in Lucknow, or anywhere in North India, these will feel like home. Which one’s your go-to rainy-day fix? Tell me in the com
28.1K views10 months ago
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In this vast world, there is one place that holds a special corner in our hearts—a place where childhood memories come alive, where peace feels tangible, and where time feels like it should stand still. That place is Nani Ke Ghar. No matter how many years we spent there or how many summer vacations we enjoyed, it always feels like it wasn’t enough. From playing outdoor games with cousins to relishing the delicious food cooked by Nani, every moment is etched in our memories. Winters would bring t
443.4K viewsJan 20, 2025
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Whenever I talk about old things—be it monuments, culture, art forms, or homes that are fading into the past—one more thing constantly grabs my attention: the disappearing old shops. Over the years, I’ve noticed how these traditional spaces are being renovated or replaced, losing their original charm. One such shop that has almost vanished is the old barber shop. In Lucknow, these used to be more than just a place for a haircut. They had a unique aesthetic—film star posters plastered on the wall
16.8K viewsOct 8, 2024
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In the bustling streets of our childhood, there was a magic that brought us all together—a sweet magic called Bambaiya Mithai. Crafted from sugar and shaped into delicate birds and toys, it wasn’t just a treat; it was an experience, a moment of wonder for every child. As kids, we didn’t have the endless options of today, but when we got those precious coins, we waited eagerly for the vendor with his khumcha, knowing he would create something special just for us. Those sugar toys held stories, jo
58.5K viewsJan 8, 2025
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The last story in this series brings you to the heart of Lucknow’s streets. A simple thela biryani that has fed countless people on their way to work or the market. No fancy setup, just honest flavors made with heart. Do share your thoughts after watching. You can catch the full video now on my YouTube channel. | Maroof Culmen
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Every city carries certain traditions that go unnoticed because they feel normal to those who grow up with them. This story of Christmas cake is one such tradition. In Lucknow, Christmas is not only celebrated inside churches or homes. It quietly travels through old lanes, wood-fired ovens, and bakeries that come alive once a year. Christian families arrive with batter prepared at home, and Muslim bakers bake those cakes slowly, patiently, just the way it has been done for generations. For me, t
141.3K views4 months ago
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It feels like just yesterday when I was first introduced to the charm of South India. Back in 2022, we were working on a beautiful project in Kochi, Kerala. That’s when I first experienced this part of the country, thanks to @shutter_it_up bhai and @movingcompass Bhai. I still remember the way they spoke about Kochi—with so much warmth and fondness. Somewhere, that emotion stayed with me. Maybe it’s because most of the work I do, or the stories I tell, are deeply rooted in North India. But every
11.9K viewsApr 21, 2025
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Every Handloom Day, we remember. But this time, let’s understand. This video is a voice — of the loom, of the artisan, of a legacy fading away. Once symbols of freedom, today our weavers struggle for dignity and survival. Handloom isn’t just aesthetic — it’s living heritage, and it’s dying. Don’t let it remain a prop or a hashtag. Make space for it — in your wardrobe, in your life, in your heart. Support handloom. Keep the story alive. Voice @urdu.daan | Maroof Culmen
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Ramzan isn’t just a month; it’s a feeling. A time of reflection, togetherness, and countless cherished traditions. It’s when families gather, sharing meals that are prepared only during this special time of the year—recipes passed down, flavors that bring back memories, and the warmth of loved ones. For those away from home, this month carries a different weight—every call, every familiar dish, every sound of the Azaan brings back a longing for home. But no matter where we are, Ramzan has a way
64K viewsMar 1, 2025
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Grateful to be documenting the flavours of a city that just made history. | Maroof Culmen
30.1K views6 months ago
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Maut Ka Kuan – The Well of Death There are some stories that take a year to reach you. This one did. Last year, when we first came across the riders of Maut ka Kuan — that giant wooden well where men ride their bikes vertically against gravity — we knew we had to tell their story. But we waited… because some stories need time. This year, we finally went back. Three cameras, two action cams, one drone, and more than ten rounds inside that dizzying circle of wood. And at the heart of it — one man,
12.3K views6 months ago
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Jewellery is more than just an accessory—it’s a piece of art, a story, a connection to something timeless. Growing up, I’ve always admired how craftsmanship brings life to raw materials. It’s fascinating to think about the skill, patience, and vision it takes to create something so intricate and beautiful. Agra has always been known for its stunning monuments and inlay work, but there’s another art form rooted in its legacy—the art of jewellery making. @kohinoorjewellersofficial has been carryin
23.2K viewsDec 1, 2024
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Some traditions are hyper-local—so rooted in a place that they almost don’t make sense anywhere else. They come from chai tapris, sweet shops, evening baithaks, and stories passed on over counters and cups. And one such tradition is Chandrakala. Today, you might find Chandrakala in every other sweet shop, across cities and states. But there’s something about hearing people say, “Yeh mithai asli toh Masauli ki hi hoti hai.” Masauli—a small village in Barabanki, about 40 kilometers from Lucknow—wh
156.5K views10 months ago
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In an obsession to find art at the root of life, in experiences and people. | Maroof Culmen
11.7K viewsMar 3, 2023
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