Photographer Rajesh Vora captures a unique tradition from Punjab (26 photos)

If you visit the villages of the Indian state of Punjab, you will see unusual sculptures on the roofs of houses. These can be figures of airplanes, tanks or football players. Yes, in principle, it can be anything!





This tradition began in the late 1970s when Indians who moved abroad began to build houses in their home villages.

The sculptural compositions on the roofs are a whimsical combination of naive art and architecture, and also serve a practical function - they serve as water reservoirs. Here you can see brightly colored tanks, weightlifters, football players, lotuses, animals, Maruti cars and most importantly, airplanes. Unusual decorations create a dramatic contrast to the quiet rural landscape.

Photographer Rajesh Vora traveled some 6,000 kilometers across Punjab to photograph hundreds of these sculptures. Many of these houses sit empty for most of the year until their expat owners come for holiday. But these striking architectural elements serve as a reminder of the residents' connection to their home region.

The Vora photographs presented at the Rencontres d'Arles festival capture this unique tradition, reflecting the aspirations, achievements and culture of the local people. These rooftop sculptures have already become an integral part of the landscape of Punjabi villages.

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