When Brandon Stanton, the US photographer who created the enormously popular blog Humans of New York, put up a Facebook message earlier this month that he'd be in Delhi's Connaught Place one afternoon, hundreds of fans turned out to meet him.  Stanton's portraits of ordinary New Yorkers has gained him eight million followers on Facebook ‒ and a host of imitators across the world, including in several smaller Indian cities.

The groups range in scope and size from Chandigarh to Guwahati, but are united by the familiar prefix: “Humans of…”

Here are a few of the photo-blogs attempting to capture the character of India's small and medium cities.

Humans of Bhubaneshwar


Photo credit: Humans of Bhubaneshwar


"He supplies fishes to the street hawkers . He has been doing this since he was 13 . When I asked 'how often do u eat fish curry??' then the reply was “I AM A VEGETARIAN . . ."

Humans of Chandigarh


Photo credit: Humans of Chandigarh


"Today is my father's third death anniversary, that's why I got my head shaved for the ritual.”

“What was the best thing about your father?”

“I ride a rickshaw, but still he was always proud of me.”

Humans of Rajkot


Photo credit: Humans of Rajkot


"We're creating a new social venture in Rajkot. Would you like to be the first person we photograph?"

"Sure!"

"You will be on the internet."

"Here's my number that has an active internet pack. Let me know when I am on the internet."

Humans of Guwahati


Photo credit: Humans of Guwahati


"What do you like best about your job?"

"I get to eat the leftovers."

Humans of Bhopal


Photo credit: Humans of Bhopal


"Would you mind if I click a photo of you? "

"No kid, its festival time. Click as many as you want.. But I should look good. "

Humans of Patna


Photo credit: Humans of Patna


"Usually girls are getting the pictures clicked, but you see I'm a bit different. Clicking pictures is more fun!"

Humans of Indore


Photo credit: Humans of Indore


"Beedi peeta hai?"

"Nahi."

"Phir ye kiske liye le raha hai?"

"Baap ke liye."