Sisters, Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, India
This valley is a Muslim dominated area, where most of the women especially the young ones can be seen wearing head scarves. Their features have less Mongoloid traits than other Ladakhis. During undivided India, the region had strong ties with Baltistan (now in Pakistan), ancestors of majority of the residents here are said to be of Balti or of 'Dardic' origin. We had seen the first big mosque in the village previous to one where the waterfall was, but here they are more frequently in sight. The mosques are unique in terms of architecture because the dome or cupola on the top is made of tin! Definitely worth a shot, but strong sunlight reflection off the tin surface guarantees ruined outcome. Posters of the late Iranian Shia religious politico, Ayatollah Khomeni adorn the outside walls of the prayer houses and stray tea stalls. The orthodox Shia clerics of this valley of Ladakh, more so now than in the past is looking towards external sources for religious inspiration and financial support. This is true for both the Shia sub factions known as yokmapa and gomapa, who had been in opposition to each other for several decades. To reassert traditional benevolent values, which has changed with the socioeconomic system and to re-establish the patriarchal hierarchy, Sharia (Islamic Law) and the Islamic dress code, which was introduced in Iran during Khomeni's rule has been adopted and is followed here. Thus, restricting women's mobility, who have now turned into subject of beauty, domesticity and are pressurized to remain traditional (head scarves being an example). Also, playing of musical instruments at weddings and other celebrations are being discouraged, the game of polo which had been popular in the region been abandoned and most Muslim men have opted to forego their drinking. Incidentally, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards of Khomeini insisted and enforced that Iranian women covered their head, men gave up alcoholic drinks and broadcasting any other music than martial or religious in public entertainment mediums like radio and television was banned. Music, the game of polo and drinking at festival times bonded the Muslim and Buddhist community together in the valley. Now the segregation is prominent.
What instantly catches the attention is a very young girl (around 14-15 years old) who is carrying her sister in a square wicker basket on her back, as her parents walk ahead. Ankur brings the car to a sudden halt on hearing my frantic, "Stop, stop!"
Almost jump out of the car and seek the permission of the parents to shoot, they smile indulgently and agree but the girl is too shy, which is not a problem as my 'subject' of choice is the tiny one in the basket. It takes a moment for me to comprehend that it is not as much as my camera but Ankur's presence that has the girl flustered (being a Muslim she is uncomfortable showing her face to any male who is not a family member), she refuses to hold still for a moment. My travel mate is determined to shoot her though and clicks at every opportunity without any success!
In another few minutes we thank and gift them a box of sweets before driving away. While checking the latest shots in the camera, find that none of the captures of the child (in the basket) are to liking, but one of both the sisters is passable.
3rd Position Winner of Lonely Planet Group 'Touching' competition, the results were announced on 31st December, 2012.
What instantly catches the attention is a very young girl (around 14-15 years old) who is carrying her sister in a square wicker basket on her back, as her parents walk ahead. Ankur brings the car to a sudden halt on hearing my frantic, "Stop, stop!"
Almost jump out of the car and seek the permission of the parents to shoot, they smile indulgently and agree but the girl is too shy, which is not a problem as my 'subject' of choice is the tiny one in the basket. It takes a moment for me to comprehend that it is not as much as my camera but Ankur's presence that has the girl flustered (being a Muslim she is uncomfortable showing her face to any male who is not a family member), she refuses to hold still for a moment. My travel mate is determined to shoot her though and clicks at every opportunity without any success!
In another few minutes we thank and gift them a box of sweets before driving away. While checking the latest shots in the camera, find that none of the captures of the child (in the basket) are to liking, but one of both the sisters is passable.
3rd Position Winner of Lonely Planet Group 'Touching' competition, the results were announced on 31st December, 2012.
January 4th, 2012
Leh Highway, Jammu & Kashmir, India.
"Darling I Like You But Not So Soon"
"Whiskey Is Risky Rum Is Bomb"
"Don't Be A Gama In The Land Of Lama"
They are raunchy, naughty, wicked, witty or silly. Whatever they are, they can't be missed! The road safety signs, which adorn almost every bend and corner of the entire road stretch connecting Manali to Leh and throughout Ladakh by BRO or Project Himank. Not only they interest and amuse tourists but have inspired a book entitled "Peep Peep Don’t Sleep" (incidentally the title itself is a straight lift from one such safety sign)!
Border Roads Organization more popularly known as BRO is a government body dedicated to road construction and maintenance in border and high altitude regions all through India in collaboration with the Indian Army. Ladakh was connected to Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh by mule tracks only in earlier times. Motorable roads were constructed and thrown open to public on 01st August 1960. However, soon the need of road network connecting Ladakh internally arose, out of which "Project Himank" was born. In addition to road construction and maintenance, airfield maintenance and snow clearance (in summer and winter when the temperature plunges to -55°C / -67°F in some areas) is an integral part of their job. Considering the high altitude (3, 048 -5, 486 m / 10,000 - 18,000 ft. plus), extreme climatic conditions and high velocity winds, are challenges, which has been met with commendable efficiency.
We have been driving for more than an hour now; there is an awkward silence which both of us are trying to break from time to time. To stop the car for a few road shots is Ankur's (guide and friend) idea.
"Whiskey Is Risky Rum Is Bomb"
"Don't Be A Gama In The Land Of Lama"
They are raunchy, naughty, wicked, witty or silly. Whatever they are, they can't be missed! The road safety signs, which adorn almost every bend and corner of the entire road stretch connecting Manali to Leh and throughout Ladakh by BRO or Project Himank. Not only they interest and amuse tourists but have inspired a book entitled "Peep Peep Don’t Sleep" (incidentally the title itself is a straight lift from one such safety sign)!
Border Roads Organization more popularly known as BRO is a government body dedicated to road construction and maintenance in border and high altitude regions all through India in collaboration with the Indian Army. Ladakh was connected to Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh by mule tracks only in earlier times. Motorable roads were constructed and thrown open to public on 01st August 1960. However, soon the need of road network connecting Ladakh internally arose, out of which "Project Himank" was born. In addition to road construction and maintenance, airfield maintenance and snow clearance (in summer and winter when the temperature plunges to -55°C / -67°F in some areas) is an integral part of their job. Considering the high altitude (3, 048 -5, 486 m / 10,000 - 18,000 ft. plus), extreme climatic conditions and high velocity winds, are challenges, which has been met with commendable efficiency.
We have been driving for more than an hour now; there is an awkward silence which both of us are trying to break from time to time. To stop the car for a few road shots is Ankur's (guide and friend) idea.
January 9th, 2013
Hindu sadhu, Kolkata, India
Ash smeared Hindu sadhu (renouncer) destined towards Sagar Island situated near the confluence of river Ganges and the Bay of Bengal(West Bengal, India). A temporary camp is constructed every year to accommodate them. Also, thousands of pilgrims travel from far and near, brave the dipping temperature of the winter, live for a few days in most basic conditions to offer prayers and take a holy dip.
January 11th, 2013
Yellow Baboon, Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania
Among other things photographing wildlife is a large chunk of my passion. Like any other wildlife enthusiast Africa was the promised land to me as well. In the year 2010 the main reason for participating in a business conference held in Dar-es-Salaam (Tanzania) was the prospective opportunity of visiting any one of the major National Park or Game Reserve. Considering the time crunch Selous Game Reserve seemed to be an excellent choice.
It turned out to an unforgettable experience and the photographic opportunities were ample. Out of all a few were my personal favorites, so when it was the time for submission to a contest held by National Geographic Traveller, India edition, it was only natural to opt for one of those.
However, what was surprising is that it went on to emerge as the January 2013 winner!
You can take a look at it by clicking on the "BIG SHOT".
It turned out to an unforgettable experience and the photographic opportunities were ample. Out of all a few were my personal favorites, so when it was the time for submission to a contest held by National Geographic Traveller, India edition, it was only natural to opt for one of those.
However, what was surprising is that it went on to emerge as the January 2013 winner!
You can take a look at it by clicking on the "BIG SHOT".
January 22nd, 2013
Maan Village, Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, India
Around 17:00hrs Rikzen my driver goes to pick up Major Saroha from ITBP barrack, who will take us to the village beyond Spangmik (which was off limits to civilians). The original plan is to a fantastic birding spot but this involves about 30km travel but my head was beginning to throb. Send out a silent prayer, another brush with AMS will really spoil things.
Some discussions later we decide to go up to the next village Maan, about 10kms away.
Park the car near the village; find a little boy sitting on a boulder. Rikzen ask him for the direction to the village (in local dialect). He offers to take us to his home but I want a photo shoot first. The natural light is already diminishing.
Intimidated by the bazooka lens he poses nervously, not quite what I want. The language used (Hindi) to request him for a smile does not register. Resort to sign language but this too gets lost in translation; he probably mistakes me for a dentist!
Others have walked ahead, we hurry to catch up; on the way share a few candy with him from my stock.
Some discussions later we decide to go up to the next village Maan, about 10kms away.
Park the car near the village; find a little boy sitting on a boulder. Rikzen ask him for the direction to the village (in local dialect). He offers to take us to his home but I want a photo shoot first. The natural light is already diminishing.
Intimidated by the bazooka lens he poses nervously, not quite what I want. The language used (Hindi) to request him for a smile does not register. Resort to sign language but this too gets lost in translation; he probably mistakes me for a dentist!
Others have walked ahead, we hurry to catch up; on the way share a few candy with him from my stock.