by Anuj Goyal 
by Gayatri Bahl
The series RajasthaNY(C) encapsulates the beauty of Rajasthani tradition fused with the enchantment of New York City. Paired to the poem “Banjara,” by Ranjini Malhotra, the series is inspired to showcase the beautiful banjara, or gypsy queen, that lives in both a traditional yet contemporary world.
ghagras twirling
veils swirling
anklets tinkling
silver at her neck
how she adorns herself!
regal as a queen
but cannot conceal
her banjara soul
gypsy blood flows in her veins
a thousand stars alight upon her veil
fuchsia and orange set fire to the dusk
twilight is thick with her magic
she sways with the grace of a peacock
bends like a willow to the breeze
dances in celebration of her soul
her smile a universal knowing
none can slow her pace
beauty this wild leaves only a trace
slips airily past eyes
drunk with desire
to beguile the moon in his heaven
she answers the call of the wanderer within
casts only laughter on the restless wind
this desert rose
this woman child
this gypsy queen
this banjara
Photography & Styling: Anuj Goyal | Model: Gayatri Bahl | Makeup & Hair: Rachel Estabrook | Concept: Gayatri Bahl & Anuj Goyal | Poem: Ranjini Malhotra
