Life in this India – GOPS Creativ

Sep 28

by GOPAN NAIR in Life in this India, travel, Varanasi 4 comments tags: baba, baba shiv das, benaras, das, gopan g nair, gops, gops.org, india, italy, kashi, sadhu, shiv, shiva, varanasi

A HINDU MONK FROM ITALY

In the winter of 2014, I found myself wandering the ghats of Kashi in Varanasi, searching for captivating photo-stories. It was during one of these strolls that I encountered Baba Shiv Das, basking in the warmth of the rising sun with a cup of tea in one hand and a cigarette in the other. The photographer in me couldn’t resist capturing a few candid shots, though I felt a twinge of guilt about invading his privacy. To my surprise, Baba Shiv Das turned his head, fixed me with an intense gaze, and beckoned with his index finger, saying, “Hey! Come here.” Despite my initial apprehension due to past encounters with arrogant sadhus, I decided to approach him. To my delight, Baba Shiv Das was kind, peaceful, and soft-spoken. He gently advised me that photographing people without their knowledge was inappropriate. When I apologized, he graciously granted me permission to take some close-up shots. Captivated by his charming blue eyes, which glittered like pearls through my viewfinder, I mentioned that the river Ganga seemed to flow through his eyes. He burst into laughter, and I quickly captured that moment on film as well. After the photo shoot and a brief conversation, […]

Jan 24

by GOPAN NAIR in Life in this India 2 comments tags: corn, flakes, Girl Child Day, gop.org, gopan, gopan g nair, gops, gops creativ, gops photography, hampi, hunger, india, national, photos, poverty, stories, street

LAUGHTER OF POVERTY

Today marks National Girl Child Day in India. Observed annually on January 24, National Girl Child Day aims to raise awareness about gender inequalities in Indian society. This day brings to mind an old story that I’ve long wanted to publish as a photo feature. I once encountered a teenage girl drying corn kernels under the scorching sun in the Hampi region of Karnataka. The intense summer heat had already taken a toll on her delicate skin, visible through her tattered clothing. Small sticks pierced her ears, and a black thread around her neck served as her only adornment—likely the only ornaments she could afford. After speaking with her, I learned that the dried corn would be sent to a Kellogg’s factory to be processed into cornflakes and cereals for the wealthy. When I asked if she liked cornflakes, she burst into laughter and confessed that she had never tasted anything other than rice and sambar. I shamelessly captured that ‘laughter of poverty’ on film—a poignant symbol of the downtrodden in India.

Feb 07

MOODS OF THE MONKEY KINGDOM

Check out these breathtaking snapshots capturing the rich essence of enchanting Hampi. As the title suggests, Hampi is a place that stirs up a range of emotions. It’s a paradise for wanderers, a treat for history buffs, and a goldmine for photography enthusiasts. Immerse yourself in the allure!

Mar 02

by GOPAN NAIR in Life in this India, travel 0 comments tags: country, diversity, expression, expressive, faces, gopan, gopan g nair, gops, gops photography, gops.org, Great, in, india, lens, photography, portrait, unity

FACES OF INDIA :: UNITY MEETS DIVERSITY

As my solo journey through rural India continues, I encounter people from various walks of life daily. India is often regarded as a land of mystery, history, magic, festivals, and mythology, among other things. It is said that the quest for India led to the discovery of America. I found that each unique face in India possesses a different kind of charm, and I never missed an opportunity to capture those enchanting expressions. Here are a few of my favorites:

Jan 30

by GOPAN NAIR in Life in this India 2 comments tags: common man, gop.org, gopan, gopan g nair, gops, gops photography, in this, india, life, photography, street

A FEW OF MY FAVOURITE STREET STORIES

HOLINESS OF LONELINESS I encountered an elderly man (a Sadhu) in Rishikesh, a renowned Hindu pilgrimage site situated along the banks of the Ganga river in India. His sole possession was the Holy book, which he cherished close to his heart. He did not smile or ask for alms, yet the serenity on his countenance indicated that his satisfied soul had transcended the physical realm. There are occasions when we come to understand that the essence of life is simply a vast emptiness! Moments frozen in time, where emptiness fills megapixels ! THE BAREFOOTED GOD The deity manifested before me! Indeed, it occurred on a pleasant Sunday morning as I leisurely walked through the streets of Bangalore. Upon hearing a chime, I turned around and there he was – Rama, barefooted with a serene smile adorning his face. The young man was earning some additional income in his new avatar. The rickshaw behind him displayed an image of Hanuman, piquing my interest. According to mythology, Lord Rama used to ride on the back of Hanuman! BURNING DESIRES & STUBBORN STAINS I encountered a man this morning, sitting alone in a corner of his village hut, smoking beedies (Indian cigars). As […]

Jul 29

by GOPAN NAIR in Life in this India, travel, Varanasi 11 comments tags: aarti, Assi Ghat, benaras, benares, Dashashwamedh Ghat, gali, ganga, ganges, ghat, gopan, gopan g nair, gops, gops.org, Harishchandra Ghat, hindu, holy, kashi, Manikarnika, Manikarnika Ghat, photo, photography, river, sadhu, spiritual, spirituality, street, Tulsi Ghat, varanasi, Vishwanath Temple, worship

VARANASI, A CITY BEYOND LIFE & DEATH

VARANASI, also recognized as BENARAS or KASHI, holds the prestigious title of being the oldest living city globally, with a well-documented history of over 3000 years. Mark Twain’s words resonate as he stated, “Varanasi is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and appears twice as old as all of them combined.” This ancient city has withstood the test of time, existing even during the childhood years of Siddhartha Gautama, who would later become known as Buddha. Varanasi is located in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, on the western bank of the sacred Ganga River. This ancient city, revered by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs, serves as a religious hub. Despite facing destruction by Mughals and other invaders over the centuries, Varanasi continues to stand as a place where the past and present, eternity and continuity, philosophy and wisdom harmoniously coexist. For Hindus, Kashi holds the same level of sanctity as Mecca does for Muslims and Jerusalem does for Christians. It is widely believed that one must receive an invitation from a higher power in order to visit Varanasi. I believe this holds true in everyday life as well. Despite my tendency to procrastinate, the trip […]

Mar 31

by GOPAN NAIR in Indian architecture & Heritage, travel, Varanasi 4 comments tags: benaras, boat, boatman, folk, ganga, ganges, ghat, gopan, gopan g nair, gops, gops photography, gops.org, hidden, india, indian, kashi, photography, ride, river, sing, singer, song, talent, varanasi

VARANASI :: SONG OF THE BOAT MAN

Bhumi Nishad, the skilled boatman, was delighting his passengers as they cruised along the Ganga river in Varanasi. The morning boat ride in Varanasi (Kashi), India, is a truly memorable experience for all who visit. I was captivated by his singing, reminiscent of a seasoned Indian classical vocalist. India is home to many undiscovered talents waiting to be unearthed. A boat ride across Ganga River in the night rejuvenates the body and soul. Experience it yourself :

Jan 17

by GOPAN NAIR in Varanasi 0 comments tags: boat, ganga, ganges, ghats, gopan, gopan g nair, gops, gops.org, india, kashi, night, photography, ride, row, spiritual, varanasi, video

FEEL THE PEACE, ENJOY A BOAT RIDE AT VARANASI…

Jan 17

by GOPAN NAIR in Life in this India 2 comments tags: basava, bull, decorated, folk, gopan, gopan g nair, gops, gops photography, gops.org, gypsies, gypsy, handsome, india, karnataka, kole, photo, photography, tradition

HUNGER PARTNERS ( KOLE BASAVA )

“THE HANDSOME BULL ( KOLE BASAVA )” “Kole Basava” is a traditional folk art from Southern India where intricately adorned bulls, led by their handlers, are taught to amuse spectators. These images capture the essence of this practice in the state of Karnataka, India. These individuals are itinerants or wanderers who roam the streets, bestowing blessings upon individuals in return for monetary compensation, clothing, or sustenance. The leaders are typically skilled musicians who play various musical instruments or showcase their talents. They may even pose queries to the bull, receiving responses through nods signifying Yes or No. The robust bulls also engage in feats such as balancing on a person’s stomach without causing harm. In India, the bull, associated with the Hindu deity Shiva, is revered as sacred. Women from the villages present offerings of ragi, paddy, chillies, salt, and tamarind. They also venerate the bulls with turmeric, vermilion, and incense sticks. The kole basavas are well looked after by their owners as they fill their food bowls. When they perform, the bulls are adorned in bright attire, with colorful ribbons attached to their horns and caps on the tips. Anklets are fastened to their legs, and a bell is […]

Jan 14

by GOPAN NAIR in Life in this India 1 comments tags: bhoot, bhoota, bhootha, elements, five, gopan, gopan g nair, gops, gops photography, gops.org, of nature, panch, pancha, photography

PANCHA BHOOTA ( पन्च भूत )

The PANCHA BHOOTA (Sanskrit: पन्च भूत ), or the five prime elements of nature, are represented by LAND, WATER, AIR, SKY and FIRE. Despite the immense potential of each element, humans often underestimate the power of nature. It is believed that these elements must be kept in balance in both the universe and the human body. Any imbalance could lead to natural disasters and diseases. This framework symbolizes the five elements of nature, with the man at the top representing a life filled with energy, and the empty bottle at the bottom representing death. This is one of my all-time favorite captures. License this image for commercial use here : http://www.gettyimages.in/detail/photo/five-elements-of-nature-royalty-free-image/502150131

A HINDU MONK FROM ITALY

LAUGHTER OF POVERTY

MOODS OF THE MONKEY KINGDOM

FACES OF INDIA :: UNITY MEETS DIVERSITY

A FEW OF MY FAVOURITE STREET STORIES

VARANASI, A CITY BEYOND LIFE & DEATH

VARANASI :: SONG OF THE BOAT MAN

FEEL THE PEACE, ENJOY A BOAT RIDE AT VARANASI…

HUNGER PARTNERS ( KOLE BASAVA )

PANCHA BHOOTA ( पन्च भूत )

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