A spiritual journey in Haridwar (North India)

My Photo scholarship 2010 entry

India | Sunday, October 17, 2010 | flickr photos

ATMAN (Hindi:Soul)
These photos offer a glimpse into the life, rituals and activities that take place in Haridwar. Situated at the foothills of the Indian Himalayas, Haridwar is regarded as one of the 7 holiest places in Hinduism. Every year millions of pilgrims make their way here and perform ritualistic bathing on the banks of the river Ganga. These rituals usually involve lights, as shown in the photo of the Ganga Aarti.The same sacred water of the river Ganga that host this spectacular show of lights and flowers represent the setting for peaceful homes of the people that we see commuting by boat in another photo.
Haridwar is rich in temples and Ashrams, which include Shantikunj, the headquarters for a spiritual organization with more than 70 million followers in 80 branches worldwide. The pray, chanting and meditation captured in 2 photos are just a few of the activities that contribute to the quiet and slow paced atmosphere of this Ashram. Also spiritual treatments take place here, such as the yagyopathy (sacrificial fire) offered to the woman in the last photo.
Spirituality is manifested through intensely delicate, solitary rituals and through vibrant, collective expressions in India. With this work I intended to capture this marvelous duality and suggests the deeper, intangible connection between people and their beliefs.
My fascination with culture and nature brought me to the love for photography.Recently I began using photography to visually (re)present and share what I explore in my writing in cultural mental health. My self-thought skills have only increased my desire to learn how to become a good photographer. Being a student of a “maestro” in the country of unspoiled natural beauty and gross national happiness would represent what I have been waiting for.