"Years ago, when I was still a professional triathlete, I had yet to dive into the world of photography, yet my interest was piqued by documentary programs and photography books that explored countries around the globe. I was inspired by the vibrant cultures and ways of life in each region-especially India's. And hence, with a heart full of anticipation and a bag full of photography gear, I set off on my very first trip to India.
When I first arrived in New Delhi, I spent most of my time wandering about in neighborhoods and cities, wholly engrossed in capturing some street photography. By sheer luck, it was Republic Day in India when I landed, presenting me with the perfect opportunity to experience and witness the cultures and traditions celebrated by so many different people. I thoroughly enjoyed the festivities in New Delhi and spent a few days there just enjoying myself and capturing memories with my camera.
KUMBH MELA
I then traveled to the city of Allahabad just in time for Kumbh Mela, a mass Hindu pilgrimage where Hindus come together to bathe in a holy river. It is believed that the sacred water from these holy rivers can wash away sins and liberate devout Hindus from the cycle of birth and death, blessing them for eternity. With over 2000 years of history, Kumbh Mela is well known within and outside of India, and Kumbh Mela 2019 amassed a record 150 million pilgrims.
Before Kumbh Mela, my experience with large crowds was limited to the weekend shopping rush in Singaporean malls. It was an out-of-body experience to be part of a crowd of over 30 million people in such a culturally meaningful event. I was overwhelmed by the people, their traditions, and how they celebrated and honored Kumbh Mela.
Esta historia es de la edición October 2022 de Lens Magazine.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición October 2022 de Lens Magazine.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
IN THE SHIPYARDS OF DHAKA
A very large shipyard in Dhaka is located on the Buriganga River's banks, directly across Dhaka's old city.
Aga Szydlik INDIA
A JOURNEY INTO THE LAND OF DIVERSITY, CULTURE, AND COLORS
SEBASTIAN PIÓREK EXPLORING Enjoyable LANDSCAPE
I retrieved the idea of nature closely linked to the field of human feelings.
The Extreme Macro Photography of Bees
AN INTERVIEW SAM WITH, DROEGE
JEAN KAROTKIN GYMNOPEDIES
Gymnopédies, Karotkin's ongoing series of botanical portraits, takes its name from a trio of piano compositions by 19th-century French composer Erik Satie.
BUTTERFLIES IN LOVE WITH FLOWERS
I sometimes think Chinese art is not fully appreciated in the West. I was exposed to it growing up in Australia, although my fascination was more with calligraphy.
Lissa Hahn:
Hahn: HOW TO EVOKE A PAVLOVIAN RESPONSE IN HUMANS
AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH ELENA PARASKEVA
Elena Paraskeva is an internationally acclaimed, award-winning Conceptual Photographer and Art Director and, most recently, an official ADOBE instructor.
From a Living Hell to Heaven on Earth: the Inhumanity and Humanity of Humans
In a remote area of western Wisconsin, dogs and cats who otherwise would have ended up on death row are given a reprieve. They can now live out their lives in peace and comfort and with companionship at Home for Life (HFL), which was not afforded them outside the sanctuary's gates.
The Art of DISAPPEARING
In the classical proposal, indigenous people are usually the topic of discussion, but rarely do they have a hand in shaping it.