Varanasi

[zoossh]

something like this? But you can see she's still arranging the offerings, hence i would prefer the former, even the headroom is abit tight or even non-existent. I can only curse myself for not maintaining the headroom throughout.

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well, indeed. the praying hand is a good subject focus, would choose that too.

 

[zoossh]

it seems the same ritual is performed all along, but the crowd at your time seems more. i thought it is a once in a while celebration as the banner writes some kind of festival

 

[eugene_]

Nah. Its stated in Lonely planet (i assume u brought tat along) tat this ritual goes on every evening. Just that u gotta confirm the exact timing with the locals there.

35

While some completely totally absorb themselves into their prayers, some just take the time to observe the ceremony. . . .
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[zoossh]

Its shot on a D80, 17-55mm, f2.8, ISO 320. In times like this you really appreciate a fast lens like that.

appreciated its optical quality as well. kind of tight over my next buy. D300 or 70/80-200mm f/2.8 or 17-55mm.... and also holding off the purchase of singh-ray vari-ND that costs a lot too. i might be one of the rare DBDBDB person.

with a new body, i can take macro of my own 1st body at my own leisure time and posts it for the newbie guide, and also have a backup body for travel. both the street and mid-long tele fast lens will give me more handheld ability, with one gd for travel/general, and the other opening up another field of exposure. tough choice.

 

[eugene_]

Yes. I concur. With the release of the D300, it certainly has pushed photography to a whole new level and perspective, esp with the generally noise-less high ISO pictures it produces. I have personally done a shoot with it and it certainly blows me away. You have to see to believe it.

When it comes to purchasing camera equipments (body and lens), so far my only purchase is the D80 itself and a 50mm prime. Other than that, I choose to rent the rest of the equipments that i need. Its best bang for buck for me at the moment. Shelling out almost a few grand for a lens/body is certainly not feasible for me and of cos I am not gg to let that to deter me fr shooting.

So i guess you can consider renting equipment as well. It has worked great for me so far.

 

[eugene_]

36

With both palms together, this devotee continues to observe the ritual. .while still reciting her own lill prayers deep in her heart.
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[eugene_]

37

Fire and smoke is the order of the day as they play an important part in the ritual. Ironic considering they are worshiping the river and yet water and fire are two opposing forces.
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[eugene_]

38

Marigolds are shattered all over the place.

39

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[sfthong]

can you use flash during the ceremony.

 

[eugene_]

can you use flash during the ceremony.

I guess so. But i choose not to.

 

[eugene_]

40

Fire, fire.
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[eugene_]

41

Still praying and clapping fervently.
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[eugene_]

42

A priest prostrating in the midst of the ritual. Notice the marigold all over the ground.
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[eugene_]

43

A devotee looking up to the priest in the midst of the ceremony.
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[eugene_]

44

From a low vantage point of view, this priest is deep in his prayers.
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[eugene_]

45

Anyone knows what is the furry instrument that the priest is waving?? It looks like some that those taoist priests carry as well.

46

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[eugene_]

47

There are several other smaller scale aarti going on around. This was held jus <100 meters away from the main one. From here you can see the altar proper.
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[eugene_]

48

Mother and son (i presume because of the similarity of their looks) lighting up the firestand.
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[eugene_]

49

Just as the ceremony was about to end, suddenly the crowd of devotees suddenly raise their hands in unison and started clapping. Frankly speaking, i was taken aback a lill by all the sudden singing and clapping.
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[asterixsg]

45

Anyone knows what is the furry instrument that the priest is waving?? It looks like some that those taoist priests carry as well.

46

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I did a search for that furry instrument, and I believe its called "Camara whisk".
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aarti

You can see it mentioned in the paragraph just above the Notes at the end.

I had no idea what a Camara whisk is... Upon further search, I found out its "tail hair of a yak"...