Long train journeys can be pretty boring after a point. How long will you stare out of the window or read books and listen to music, right? Meet Omkar Divekar, a photographer and an aspiring cinematographer from Pune. Along with a couple of friends, he headed out on a 16-day journey around India by train.
He started live tweeting about his experiences and people he met on the way. Right from sharing delicious food to some profound thoughts, he tweeted it all. Have a look!
On March 9, Divekar began his 16-day journey across India on Indian trains.
So today I embark on a 16 day train journey throughout India with a couple of friends which looks a bit like this. pic.twitter.com/3nQRik7Jxx
— Omkar Divekar (@MishterApu) March 9, 2016
With this solid plan in mind…
We’ll be trying to get into the General compartments whenever we can, converse and engage with people all over India.
— Omkar Divekar (@MishterApu) March 9, 2016
…and this promise of sorts
And we are off! Next stop, Okha. For now, it’s goodbye Mumbai! 😀 pic.twitter.com/QJ4mctfXki
— Omkar Divekar (@MishterApu) March 9, 2016
To experience India in its real form, Divekar is travelling in general compartments.
The general compartment, right now. Feels like anything but general to me. pic.twitter.com/icxvKprZ9j
— Omkar Divekar (@MishterApu) March 9, 2016
He met this happy man…
“Aaj bahot khushi ka din hai. Meri beti ki MBBS graduation ceremony hai Jamnagar mein. Wahi ja raha hoon!” pic.twitter.com/wISb97CBCb
— Omkar Divekar (@MishterApu) March 10, 2016
And this hopeful man with a lot of dreams
“Agle mahine Dubai jaaunga. Jahaaz pe. 2-3 saal. Paisa kamaunga, sab country ghumunga.”
“Aur biwi?”
“Phone hai na!” pic.twitter.com/FXNN9NvuHr— Omkar Divekar (@MishterApu) March 10, 2016
Not only the bogies, the outside world too had a lot to offer
And it’s a lovely morning here in Gujarat, our train has crossed a station called Than. pic.twitter.com/QcT02SS1nM
— Omkar Divekar (@MishterApu) March 10, 2016
Reached Gujarat!
And we have hit the salt pans of Gujarat! Reaching Dwaraka in a few minutes. pic.twitter.com/ULkNW3ojMA
— Omkar Divekar (@MishterApu) March 10, 2016
After being disallowed to photograph at the Okha Port, we took a stroll around and found this near the station. pic.twitter.com/fiV68F9Upz
— Omkar Divekar (@MishterApu) March 10, 2016
A few hiccups but Divekar and his friends continue their journey…
Day 3 of our journey & we have a problem. Our bookings aren’t confirmed so we’ll have to travel general to Delhi! 😀 pic.twitter.com/1bTCseUERd
— Omkar Divekar (@MishterApu) March 11, 2016
Not full but not quite empty either. Our general dibba right now. pic.twitter.com/vviymC0Fb6
— Omkar Divekar (@MishterApu) March 11, 2016
He met this proud mother…
“Mere devar Bollywood mein Fight Master hai aur mera beta Punjab mein music videos ka Director hai.” pic.twitter.com/ehC44qQKEp
— Omkar Divekar (@MishterApu) March 11, 2016
… and this excited son…
“2 saal se Ma-Baap aur dosto se dur raha hoon. Jaise jaise train aage ja raha hai meri khushi badhti ja rahi hai!” pic.twitter.com/5SYD05ZuHs
— Omkar Divekar (@MishterApu) March 11, 2016
Food! Food! Food!
Just had some lovely dhokla and puri sabji that we had picked up from Rajkot station. #RailKahani pic.twitter.com/DROSFVieHc
— Omkar Divekar (@MishterApu) March 11, 2016
Good old stories!
“We crossed the border walking 30kms then got onto a passenger which took me to Amritsar where I finally felt safe.” pic.twitter.com/boBuK4vo93
— Omkar Divekar (@MishterApu) March 11, 2016
Aaww!
“Main Okha mein Golgappe ki gadi chalata hoon. Mere Pitaji ki tabiyat kharab hai isiliye MP apne gaon ja raha hoon.” pic.twitter.com/2tJSLLHrRq
— Omkar Divekar (@MishterApu) March 11, 2016
this badass man on a mission…
“Mujhe Marine Police se nikal diya aur bataya bhi nahi kyu. Ab main Ajmer Dargah ja raha hun wahase inquiry office.” pic.twitter.com/LM5tLe8Pk0
— Omkar Divekar (@MishterApu) March 11, 2016
Super singers
Their song: “Yeh toh tera hi karam hai Khwaja!” #unreserved pic.twitter.com/LYYY4TkrUb
— Omkar Divekar (@MishterApu) March 11, 2016
Someone in the general dibba plays “Yeh bandhan toh” from Karan Arjun as the sun starts it’s descent. #unreserved pic.twitter.com/vebd1HL659
— Omkar Divekar (@MishterApu) March 11, 2016
“Main Gujarat se hu aur mere pati Rajasthan se. Main Marwari bol paati hun, par unko Gujarati nahi ati.” #unreserved pic.twitter.com/71e2yiJOTj
— Omkar Divekar (@MishterApu) March 11, 2016
Bihari, Rajasthani & Haryanvi
A Bihari, a Rajasthani & a Haryanvi. I am not telling which one is which. #unreserved pic.twitter.com/1C2BECn1Zm
— Omkar Divekar (@MishterApu) March 11, 2016
Met Rajat’s parents
We were greeted by Rajat’s parents at Alwar and some delicious poha and lovely kalakand! #Unreserved pic.twitter.com/9mkDSUo86n
— Omkar Divekar (@MishterApu) March 12, 2016
Day 4
Day 4. Another beautiful morning. #unreserved pic.twitter.com/t66XZ4ghz3
— Omkar Divekar (@MishterApu) March 12, 2016
“Yeah meri bhatiji aur uski saheliyaan hai. Police bharti ki physical exam ke liye le ja raha hoon.” #unreserved pic.twitter.com/wYJ3tZlVFv
— Omkar Divekar (@MishterApu) March 12, 2016
“Main Nepal se aya tha, Okha Port mein kaam karne. Lekin biwi ke operation ke liye wapis ja raha hoon.” #unreserved pic.twitter.com/e3QFCdIv38
— Omkar Divekar (@MishterApu) March 12, 2016
The journey is also proving that Indian trains actually bring strangers closer. Omkar is still live tweeting about his journey. If you want to know more about his experiences then follow him on Twitter.