Cotton Pickin'

The Fabric Of Society

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

This photograph is more than merely my depiction of red; it is also part of my life in many ways. Why? Because it was taken a year ago, at the New Market in Calcutta, India. I grew up in Calcutta and trips to the New Market (or Sir Stuart Hogg Market, to give it its real name) were a special treat. It was the sights. It was the sounds. It was the aromas. The New Market, under one huge roof, was an unforgettable experience then - and it still is, even now.

It is also part of my life because the New Market is lovingly described in my first novel, Vegemite Vindaloo, which was on several bestseller lists and was even ranked at No.3 on one list, behind the Booker Prize Winner at No.1.

I took a variety of shots for this week's "Red" theme, but discarded them all in favour of this image, with the generous daubs of red splashed through the frame. These cotton outfits, displayed in a shop's entrance, are known as "shalwar kameez".

As a child, I must have walked past this shop hundreds of times. On this occasion, during a sudden and unexpected trip to the land of my birth, it was my turn to point out familiar sights to my three Australian-born children. And today, it is such a great privilege to share a part of my life with you, my readers.

Please tick the camera poll on the right. Thanks!