Surreal World - Durga Puja Idol Making

Durga Puja is one of the most important festivals of Bengal. Clay idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses, mainly Goddess Durga, are made for worshiping. On the "dashmi" evening, these idols are immersed in the water,which marks end of the festival.

These idols are traditionally made by "Pals",who are clay artisans. Highest graded pals make Head,palms and feet of the idols.

I visited "pandal" where idol making was in progress. I felt as if I have entered some surreal world where I can see different body parts lying around.

Making of idols is holy and many rituals are followed while making them. Sand is collected from banks of Ganges for making of idols.

Making of idols is very lengthy,backbreaking and strenuous process.It requires highest level of skills for making face of Goddess Durga.

Skeleton structure is first made in Bamboo and Jute cloth by one group of artisans. 2nd Group then do clay work on this prepared structure. At the end master craftsmen work on features with great skill and artistry.

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Family

Family, originally uploaded by Sonali Dalal.

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On my recent visit to Dhariawad and Sitamata Sanctuary in Rajasthan, I clicked this photo, of family cooking its meal on the roadside.

Dash of Orange..

Untitled, originally uploaded by Sonali Dalal.


In month of August, I visited Sitamata Sanctuary and Dhariawad in Rajasthan. Thanks to good monsoon this year, landscape was amazingly beautiful. Rivers were flowing with water. Colourful cloths worn by Rajasthani women gave perfect photo opportunity.

Umbrella repairer

Umbrella repairer, originally uploaded by Sonali Dalal.

Friends - See it in Black & Large

Friends - See it in Black & Large, originally uploaded by Sonali Dalal.

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But oh! the blessing it is to have a friend to whom one can speak fearlessly on any subject; with whom one's deepest as well as one's most foolish thoughts come out simply and safely. Oh, the comfort - the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person - having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but pouring them all right out, just as they are, chaff and grain together; certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and then with the breath of kindness blow the rest away. ~Dinah Craik, A Life for a Life, 1859

city palace udaipur

city palace udaipur, originally uploaded by Sonali Dalal.


City Palace Udaipur is a majestic monument to byegone era of royalty. Rajasthan is a land of Palaces. Among all palaces of Rajasthan, City Palace holds special place.

windmills

windmills, originally uploaded by Sonali Dalal.

On my way to Bhuj, I saw this scene. Abd it has captivated me since then.

Shop in the old city

Shop in the old city, originally uploaded by Sonali Dalal.

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Old City of Ahmedabad still has this type of tiny little shops selling day to day items. Old fashioned Red telephone is public telephone service provided by the shopkeepeR.

Dashama Festival

Dashama Festival is celebrated in Gujarat during month of Shravan, i.e. sometime in August. It is dedicated to Goddess Dashama and celebrated for 10 days. After 10 days statue of the goddess is submerged in the river. It is a very colourful festival and celbrated with much fanfare by certain communities.

Festival is played with colours,music and much merriment. Devotional songs are sung on the last day and people stay awake entire night for praying.

People are waiting for festivities to begin.

Colourful statues of Dashama are specially made to worship for 10 days of festival.

Shepherd community Summer Migration from Kachh

At the end of summer, everyday,I used to observe group of shepherds or shepherd families walking on roads with their household items,animals, family members. They offered colourful, interesting spectacle. Every year these families migrate from desert of kutchh to other areas of  Gujarat or even far, in search of water,grass for their animals and means of livelihood for themselves. At the end of monsoon they return to their villages in Kutchh. They live life of Nomad for 4 months of monsoon. Here are some glimpses of their walk back home.

Women in their colourful attire present pretty picture.

Cows,donkeys,sheep and dogs form part of the merry group.

Metal pot for drinking water,along with cloth bag to put their belongings in, are commonly seen on shepherds shoulders.

Colourful procession continues on their journey.

Lady on donkey presented funny sight!

Newly born lambs are carried on donkey's back,making a cute picture!

I wish I could have this sort of car!!!

Some have switched to new plastic bottles. A sorry sight!

Faces of India - 9

Once again my photo journey to catch Faces of India continues.

Old city of Ahmedabad & its people ,once again caught my attention.

Faces of people residing in old city tell thousand tales. Here is Grandpa like figure indulgently observing kids.

tea stalls are favourite hanging place of people of the area.

"Baa" is going through morning newpaper.

Street dogs are common sight and looked after by residents of the area with all the love and care.

Vegetable vendors are always part of the "scenery" so to say!

Young girl.

Old man was waiting for someone to listen to his story.

Glimpses of India

India is a fascinating country with interesting mix of people,religions,culture,food,clothing. It never stops to surprise you with its wide variety. 

Rural India with its colourful landscape is very attractive destination for any photographer.

At each turn you will see something which captivates you,which makes you stop and stare.

India survives on faith . Belief in "Karma" is what keeps it going in spite of many adversities they face during their day to day life.

Flora and Fauna also changes every few miles.