H2-Oh! The Novelty Water Tanks Of Punjab

The large models are actually water tanks - and help to brighten up the streets in the already vibrant region. 

A tractor, a large flower, and even an enormous aeroplane can be spotted on the roofs of Punjabi homes.

As well as serving a purpose as functioning water tanks, the creations sometimes indicate the job role, status, or interests of the owner.

In the Jandiala village in Jalandhar district, homeowner Bahara Singh has a military tank on the roof of his property.

Tanvir Singh, who works at Bahara's house, said: “Many times people come to this house only to click pictures and check out the tank.”

The model military vehicle even has an armed solider poking out of the roof.

In the village of Uppal Bhupa, aeroplane enthusiast Santokh Singh Uppal has used his water tank to pay tribute to his passion.

As a young child working in the fields, he was thrilled at watching an aircraft passing over his head - but flying in one remained a distant dream at the time. 

Even when he moved to the United Kingdom in 1959 at the age of 17, he travelled by boat, not getting his first experience on a plane until his journey home a few years later.

Now sat on the roof of his home is an enormous water tank fashioned to look like an Air India plane.

Santokh commissioned an architect and a team of labourers to build the water tank, with work completed in 2004 - the culmination of a five year project.

The size of the tank makes it visible from a distance - meaning it has become a talking point for locals in his neighbourhood.

He said: “To me, this Air India plane symbolises the hopes and dreams of all those enterprising Punjab residents for whom going abroad is like the first step towards shaping their destiny.”

Most of the weird and wonderful water tanks are built by skilled labourers who work at various stores across the state.