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DEVOTION to his FAITH
DEVOTION to his FAITH
andrewt


Photograph Information Photographer's Comments
Challenge: Free Study 2010-01 (Advanced Editing VII)
Camera: Nikon D3
Lens: Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens
Location: Little India , Singapore
Date: Jan 30, 2010
Aperture: F7
ISO: 200
Shutter: 1/40s
Galleries: Portraiture, Travel
Date Uploaded: Jan 18, 2010

 Continuing my effort on portraits.

This was captured while during thaipusam festival in Singapore on Saturday 30Jan.

It was an INCREDIBLE experience as I joined the devotees in their 5Km walk from the starting point to the finishing point.



[Feb. 7th, 2010 10:58:56 PM]

Doing pretty badly, scores turned off.

Anyway just wanted to add more insight on this annual festival in singapore for those who are interested.

Hindus (in general Tamils) celebrate this every year around end Jan/early Feb timeframe. The festival commemorates both the birthday of Murugan (also Subramaniam), the youngest son of god Shiva and his wife Parvati, and the occasion when Parvati gave Murugan a vel (spear) so he could vanquish the evil demon Soorapadman

The simplest kavadi is a semi circular decorated canopy supported by a wooden rod that is carried on the shoulders, to the temple. In addition, some have a small spear through their tongue, or a spear through the cheeks. The spear pierced through his tongue or cheeks reminds him constantly of Lord Murugan. It also prevents him from speaking and gives great power of endurance. Other types of kavadi involve hooks stuck into the back and either pulled by another walking behind or being hung from a decorated bullock cart or more recently a tractor, with the point of incisions of the hooks varying the level of pain. The greater the pain the more god-earned merit.

They are basically paying homage/respects to Lord Murugan. Yeah it is fantastic!!

I just did not feel right just snapping away (and the best part is that they let you do it) so I joined in the procession where they carry the Kavadis and walk for 5Km from one temple to another. I started shooting at noon (took over 300 shots) , started walking with them at 3pm and finished the 5Km at 8pm.

Andrew....08Feb2010
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AuthorThread
 Comments Made During the Challenge
Nikon D3X
Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR DG IF-ED
 02/06/2010 07:28:20 PM
First reaction...ouch! Second reaction...wow! Third reaction...how does he eat. Overall reaction...love your image! Very culturally enlightening. Great job!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Nikon D750
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II
 02/04/2010 10:29:26 AM
what a cultural picture. you have great focus and really good colors and tones going on here...
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Nikon D7200
Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G
 02/03/2010 07:53:26 PM
Just can't seem to figure this one out. Nice capture though.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Sony Alpha a1 II
Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS
 02/01/2010 03:32:38 PM
ok, I hope you've posted the story behind this shot, because I'd really like to know!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Nikon D800
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED
 02/01/2010 03:14:38 AM
a bit crazy I reckon...good travel image
  Photographer found comment helpful.
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