The Bright💡

“I have always thought of myself first as a human being and then as a woman.” - Ismat Chugati

Although largely confined to rural areas, a custom called ‘ghoonghat’, which can also be found in other parts of northern India, is particularly common in Rajasthan. Women cover their faces in front of elders, in-laws, or in certain public settings as a mark of modesty and social custom.

Change is happening in the state, however. Young women from the countryside often abandon the veil when they arrive at college. Many women in urban areas have discarded the custom.

Beautifully captured by photographer @sujanyaaa_