Yeh hai Bhopal meri jaan

Maana ki bohot shokh hai Nepal ke log

Sach hai ki bohot khoob hai Bangaal ke log

duniya ko khangala to ye maloom hua

bemisaal zamaane me hain Bhopal ke log

The best way to feel the pulse of a city is to learn about its people and their ways of life. This ‘rubai’ (poetic genre of two couplets) by Sadequain beautifully describe Bhopalis and their idiosyncrasies. No wonder the red building of the Central Library or the Minars of Taj Ul Masajid visible when you enter the city from the station declares you are in the ‘city of Nawab’, the actual Bhopal lies even beyond these monuments and the lakes. The real substance of the city can be felt through a set of activities or some delectable delicacies that have been practiced so much over the years that they have inadvertently become unwritten salient features of Bhopal. Here's what makes you feel you are in Bhopal

Riding with panache

When you see jeeps from Willys to Ford, Kaiser or even modified ones plying liberally on the street, you know you are in Bhopal. From the adventure of diving their vehicles into murky water, to meandering on muddy tracks during mud-rallies, weekend got (family outing) or just evening jaunts, jeeps are the obvious answer for most Bhopalis. Born with a command on the road, Bhopalis have their own ways with these muscular vehicles, something you will not witness in any other city of India. Interestingly, many Bollywood stalwarts have imported modified version of the vehicle from the city, a fact that bears testimony to the importance of jeep in Bhopal.

Fishing out the perfect time pass

A leisure activity for people across India means either watching a movie, dining at a restaurant, shopping at a mall or going for a long drive. Although Bhopal is not bereft of any of the aforesaid, when it comes to time pass, Bhopalis love going old school. So, while the rest of the world enjoy the marvels of human invention, people of the city seek resort in the lap of nature, angling their time out. Be it the Upper Lakes or Lower, irrespective of season, people of every age can be spotted all set with their fishing rods and bait.

Quintessential Bhopali talks

Interested in knowing the fate of Barrack Obama in the next elections of United States of America or the gadgets that are likely to get launched in 2050? Sit with a bunch of Bhopalis and you could get an answer to all. In an era of technical advancement when dissemination of information is mostly executed through high-end technologies, Bhopal is perhaps only one of the few cities where people still prefer sitting and talking with each other and exchange information in the process. However, these discussions never take place in coffee shops but at roadside pavement. Not to forget, it is an unending process that starting from the noon can continue till the wee hours.

Anything for this cup of tea

All who say Darjeeling tea is the best in the country have most certainly not tasted the essentially ‘Namak wala chai’ of Bhopal. From discussions to debates, a lot can happen in the city over a cup of this ‘chai’. The aroma of tea leaves boiling ceaselessly in a container enamelled with brass is just enough to tantalize the olfactory senses of gourmand and compel them to revitalize their taste-bud. Although few in number, almost all shops serving Samover (namak wali chai) are choc-a-bloc round the clock.

Who says bikes are meant only for riding?

Ever wondered why all vehicle stunt shows unfailingly witness participation of youngsters from Bhopal? The answer is quite obvious actually. Just like driving open jeeps, performing wonders with motorcycles runs in the veins of Bhopal. Manoeuvring the two-wheelers to perform wheelies, stoppies or burnouts can give unmatched joys and young Bhopalis have proved it every time. So, the next time you happen to see someone stunting on their bikes and feel the adrenaline rush, don’t forget to remind yourself you are in Bhopal.