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Woman praying during the Chhath Puja, a festival dedicated to the worship of the sun god
Indranil Sengupta (Hooghly, India)
Photographed November 2007, Agra, India
At an annual Chhath festival in the city of Agra, home of the Taj Mahal, Hindu women immersed in water pray to the sun for prosperity for two days. They celebrate the setting sun first, says Sengupta, then "welcome the fresh rising sun on the very next morning." —Abigail Tucker
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The lady in white reminds me of an angel that came to visit during the prayers. She has a very mysterious look to her. In her hands is a large tray that is full of offerings to the people. I like the colors of the garments worn by the other people. I also like the building that is very shaded in the background. It sends a message to all people.
Posted by Nancy Lhamon on April 4,2008 | 08:27PM
I like this picture. The muted color of the woman's clothing contrasted that of the others. The length of her clothing which covered her feet enhanced photographic interest...it's as though the woman emerged from the river [or whatever body of water it was]. The way the veil covers her face added to the mystery.
Posted by Evelyn Ovalles, SP on April 16,2008 | 07:48PM
This makes me feel good. It subtlely draws attention to all the colors of the rainbow, gives us a view of the majestic shrine in the mist yet focuses on the grace of the lone lighted figure. This is true art to include such great composition.
Posted by Shelley Grove on May 20,2008 | 12:52PM
Love it. On land, commotion; in the water, serenity and contemplation. The essence of the ritual. And what a way to photograph the Taj Mahal! Truly inspired.
Posted by Roger Kluever on June 24,2008 | 04:57PM
As Roger wrote above: "On land, commotion; in the water, serenity." A colorful, very human commotion; a soggy serenity. And a wholly new view of the Taj Mahal, for once not a full-frontal shot (dearly as I would love to see it in person!).
Posted by Stuart Kellogg on June 25,2008 | 05:48PM
The photo in the magazine is of much higher quality. It reveals more about the woman's face. Her expression is one of someone invading her group's privacy. Its a great contrast to the masoleum taj mahal.
Posted by joepah on June 26,2008 | 09:35AM