From the archive record
A bustling scene unfolds at Puri Beach, where tourists and locals gather along the wide sandy shoreline of the Bay of Bengal. The beach is filled with visitors enjoying the coastal atmosphere, with some strolling near the water's edge while others relax in groups on the sand. Adding to the lively setting, beach vendors offer a variety of goods and attractions. Among them, a conch shell (shankh) seller draws attention by blowing a conch shell, demonstrating its deep, resonant sound. Several women stand nearby, examining the collection of conch shells and testing them one by one before deciding which to purchase. By blowing into the shells themselves, they can judge the sound quality and choose a conch that produces a strong, clear tone. In the background, colorful balloons, tourist rides, a