Devotional Choreography Photo

Photographer’s Note

The Ganga Aarti (Aarti is a Hindu ritual of worship in which light from wicks soaked in ghee (purified butter) or camphor is offered to one or more deities. Aartis also refer to the songs sung in praise of the deity, when offering of lamps is being offered) at Dasaswamedh ghat, close to Kashi Vishwanath Temple, is one of the prime attractions of Benaras (Varanasi). It starts just after sunset, with a group of young men dressed in Benarasi silk robes and saffron patta-bastra enacting synchronised mudras choreographing to the chantings, holding, incense sticks and lamps, beside the holy River Ganga (Ganges).

I understood that, pooled from Hindu gurukul institutions in Varanasi these young men (disciples) have been imparted the Nidhi s motto to preserve the purity, sanctity, and divinity of Ganga, its ghats and Kanshi (Benaras), the oldest religious place in the world besides Jerusalem. The choreography is excellent and worth seeing. But to me it also feels artificial in a devotional context. But the ceremony is definitely worth watching!

If you want an unobstructed view of the ceremony, there are two options. I tried both of them –

a) Be early and get a ringside seat. This I did the first evening & this picture is from that day.
b) The other option is to hire a boat and witness the aarti from mid-river, as I did the second day. But the problem then is, you need to have long lenses and very very steady hands as setting up a tripod on a swirling boat is never an easy task.

In either case I had to jack up the ISO to 1600.

Not much post processing here, some contrast & sharpening before resizing!

axiotea, Graal, maglex, ymrk, KLB, dip, Floydian, besnard, pauloog, Budapestman, dareco, BurhanettinMasa, chendis, AiresSantos, pboehringer, Wanda1, patdeph, Bartleby, leo61, adores, hispic, ribeiroantonio, sayanwithsenice, Emile, Felip, Scharan, thea0211, danos, trekks, pierrefonds, josepmarin, jafadabret, berek, riclopes, Bluejeans, bostankorkulugu, Atousa, ChrisJ, zeca, Didi, batalay, plimrn, Kielia, bakes888, Bruno40, avene, Urs, sabyasachi1212, subhendu_bagchi, sultana has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

vincz (19039) 2009-05-15 1:05

Very impressive shot wih all the smoke. 1600 ISO and not much moise, the 400D did extremely well here. I like this very beautfiul ambiance. Great work my friend.

maglex (1556) 2009-05-15 1:06

Beautifully captured moment of this ritual, I like the effect of the smoke very much and the blending of their golden robes. Thanks for sharing...Alex

ymrk (8637) 2009-05-15 1:08

Hello!
Wow,affectived to me...Is this a still!?
Very well capture and timing.Models site with moves of face is attractive!
Take care,best wishes.

Yağmur

KLB (18006) 2009-05-15 1:12

Hello Angshuman

Incredible shot ! Since the thumbnail I think it was a painting.
You've captured an incredible atmosphere.
Despite the difficult conditions, your picture is sharp and the quality outstanding, compliments.

Regards
Karine

dip (12550) 2009-05-15 1:12

Hi Angshu,
excellent capture of the scene!!!
amazing colors and superb lighting,
the point of view is perfect!
very well done,
Dimitris.

siddharthaz (38) 2009-05-15 1:28

Jemon composition, temon timing, darun legeche chabita. Congratulations.

Floydian (30970) 2009-05-15 1:33

Hi Angshu,

Very very very interesting work. The wole atmosphere is perfect captured by your sensor, but most of all by you great pair of eyes who created this perfect timed shot. Arms are upwards, perfect symmetry, but it's the smoke what creates the mood and in combination with the light it looks just great....wonderful shot.

Regards,

Henk

devimeuxbe (55865) 2009-05-15 1:38

Hi Angshuman
What can i say. This picture is beautifull. Fascinating. You have very well exploited the light and the smoke.
Very good work
Bertrand

yquem46 (7836) 2009-05-15 1:48

Namasdte Angshu
I have seen this scene 10 times when in Varanasi, I could not miss it !
such an atmosphere, light, smoke, music, songs, worship .... !
All this perfectly afforded by your shot
I have to return !
Cheers
patrick

besnard (30526) 2009-05-15 1:58

Bonjour Angshu
Une superbe composition, une atmosphère exceptionnelle, un spectacle unique.
Merci pour cette belle image et bonne journée.
Nicole

pauloog (6406) 2009-05-15 1:58

Hello Angshuman,
A fantastic view that is not only breautiful but also informative. A perfect composition with the monks lined up perfectly in a diagonal reinforced by the incense that adds to the magic. All in yellow-brown rich tones.
Very well done.
Regards,
Paul

Budapestman (41618) 2009-05-15 2:12

Dear Angshu,
Photo with fantastic mood. You selected a superb optic angle to the photo. The details interesting and spectacular the lights very much controlled. Congratulations. Have a nice weekend!
George

jasmis (50200) 2009-05-15 3:09

Incredible mood of pure exotics.
Regards my dear friend.

John_F_Kennedy (31229) 2009-05-15 3:47

Excellent composition, so very colourful. A very nice presentation of traditional ceremony. Well done.
Best wishes,
Achim

dareco (17104) 2009-05-15 3:57

Very nice. Lovely tones and serene mood. Excellent detail and composition. TFS

chendis (16) 2009-05-15 4:49

Impressive!
must be a "battle" to reach there as u said but i think worth.

Best wishes!
Greetings from Romania!

Oana

delkoo (34220) 2009-05-15 5:17

hi angshu;

I never get tired of seeing shots from this amazing place, especially when they're as well taken as this.colors, mood and framing are simply superb.

regards
didier

AiresSantos (41920) 2009-05-15 5:23

Hi Angshu
Wonderful atmosphere and colours in this excellent composition.
Fine use of the ISO, great details
TFS and have a nice weekend
Aires

pboehringer (770) 2009-05-15 5:47

You were using a 18-55mm lens to get this scene. That means you were sitting almost on the lap of the person at the front. Fantastic to see the perfect choreogrpahy between all the priests with raised arms and spiling the smoke into the room. Perfect moment to get his shot with a grandious mood.
Peter

holmertz (9564) 2009-05-15 8:20

Hello Angshuman,
The spectators in the back, visible through the smoke, underscore the theatrical aspect of this ritual. Certainly a spectacular sight, and the picture has a nice composition with a diagonal emphasis. You have done well to get such fine light under those circumstances.
Kind regards,
Gert

Wanda1 (10923) 2009-05-15 8:34

Hi Angshuman,
When I was in Varanasi this is one of the things I really enjoyed watching especially with the atmosphere of the ritual and so many people all around. You are right about getting there early, otherwise it is impossible to get a clear shot without being in a good position and here I can see that you had a great position. You have captured the atmosphere perfectly in your shot with all the smoke and ambient lighting and the perfect timing. It's nice to see it through your eyes.
Regards
Wanda

patdeph (17722) 2009-05-15 8:34

namaste Angshuman
Wooow!!!Splendid!I love the colours,the light,the atmosphere given by the smoke,and this ois superbly framed!Wonderful,I add it in my theme!
Regards
Pascale

Bartleby (4826) 2009-05-15 9:45

Hi Angshu,
in spite of the high iso,I think the quality here remains outstanding. The low POV and the smoke contribute to a very engrossing atmosphere. Compliments.

Philippe

prashant29 (110) 2009-05-15 9:55

Hello Angshu !
The atmosphere, the colors and the framing....everything is just perfect. Brilliant capture !
Rgds / Prashant

scalerman (25729) 2009-05-15 10:05

Anshu: it can be a crowded and difficult image to capture - but you've done a fine job. regards, c

leo61 (43282) 2009-05-15 10:08

Hi Angshu!
I hope everything is fine with you,your job and the new location.
This is a wonderful and excellent image!!!!
So many thing to view and I like the mystic atmosphere with all the smoke.Composition and timing are perfect.
All the best,Leo

tomescuc (2837) 2009-05-15 11:24

Interesting ritual, light very well mastered, good compositional job.

cheers,
Cristian

gilou530 (35066) 2009-05-15 13:33

salut ansghuman
superbe ambiance dans cette photo avec la fumée de la cérémonie une netteté nickel et un scéne bien capturée
amitiés
gilbert

adores (15473) 2009-05-15 17:48

Hi Angshuman!
That must be really worth to be seen!I like the atmosphere, the effect of the smoke and the pose of the men in diagonal. Not really easy to take but the result was great!

hispic (7399) 2009-05-15 20:19

Hello Angshuman,
Superb shot like one scene of a movie! Smoke brings powerful and mysterious effect to this image. Very nice choice of a moment, perspective, and framing despite a low lighting situation.
Have a nice weekend! Hisashi

ribeiroantonio (21885) 2009-05-15 21:06

I thought it was a picture of a painting when I saw it in the thumbnail. You managed a wonderful light to create an excellent picture. The repetition of the men is extraordinary and creates a very dynamic shot. Well done.
Antonio

emka (21217) 2009-05-15 23:44

Hi Angshu,
Splendid picture, with this smokes and orange dresses it is really eyecatcher. Fantastic composition with diaagonal lines of smoke. Looks more like a painting than a photo. Well done

Małgorzata

jonathan_hart (22570) 2009-05-16 3:04

perfectly captured, the composition is as a painting,
the ritual is shown with a mood of mistery
great shot
jc

sayanwithsenice (717) 2009-05-16 6:20

WOw! Great way of clicking the shot.. I am really amazed by your innovative ideas . The shades of the smokes looks fascinating and so is the POV. Keep sharing..

Emile (19901) 2009-05-16 10:26

Hola Angshuman.
Superb shot captured during the special moment of the ritual, you were able to create a very spiritual atmosphere, very good colors and great POV. I like the effect caused by the smoke and the light management. Good frame.
TFS.
Best regards and wish you a good weekend.

pastadog (12821) 2009-05-17 3:16

Perfect timing to capture those dynamic arms with the bells, Angshu. The smoke adds mystery to the already attractive scene. Your POV is very efficient. I like your approach to photographing people, looking forward for more. Regards, Daniel

Felip (3905) 2009-05-17 8:17

Hi Angshu,
And you say that you used 1600 ISO ?, and where's the noise it is supposed it should have?
Man my jaw has just dropped!
Best wishes

Felip

Scharan (13951) 2009-05-17 13:01

Olá Angsmann

Bonita imagem, muito bem registrada.
Cores fantásticas e uma bela luz.
Parabéns pelo lindo trabalho.
GA
Vera

thea0211 (1355) 2009-05-17 21:37

Angshuman,
this is captivating, so alive, we are literally placed in the middle of the story.
we breath the essences and are embraced by the smoke.
well handled light and timely captured instance.
you are a good (visual) story teller! ;o)
teodora

Graal (57717) 2009-05-17 23:32

Hi Angshuman,
unusual scene and interesting presentation. Good caught moment. Well quality of photo. An interesting note also. Well photojob.
Gr., Aleksander

axiotea (16061) 2009-05-17 23:53

Bonjour Angshu
It is a beautiful picture! I really like the way you have captured the gesture of these young men wearing the traditional clothing for this ceremony.
The smoke effect, the colors the lights are superb!
This photo gives me the impression to look at a painting!
Thanks for the note and tips...
Cheers
Marilyn

danos (32250) 2009-05-18 3:36

Hello Angshuman,
fabulous this scene,it's look like to see a movie scene.Thanks for your informative notes,as for your existence there in the ringside seats, to see this great scene of the ceremony that really looks as a choreography.I wonder if at least the first priest,is a native of a stranger that serves Hindu ritual,I think that his face characteristics are of a stranger one.Great capture,under very difficult lighting conditions!

Have a nice week,Danos

sevy (13302) 2009-05-18 4:01

Hello Angshu,

A very strong composition on this shot with the priars put on the diagonale what is sharing in the same time a deepness effect.
The smoke is finally bringing a strong ambiance making this photo a strong evidence.

Yves.

trekks (14262) 2009-05-18 5:06

hi Angshu

It is hard for me to accept 400D up to iso1600 to get this result without noise. How did you backmail your C*n*n box for that? By using merely the kit lens of 18-55mm, you have no choice but option 1 :)

I would imagine the quality of this photo if 70-200mm f/2.8 L is used for option 1 or 2, although option 2 would allow you a front view rather than this side profile.

But effect of the smoke screen is marvelous, for 1/80s.

Great work.

tfs, bill

pierrefonds (26137) 2009-05-18 5:15

Hi Angshuman,

At first I thought it was a painting. A good capture of the action at the Hindu ritual. The details and colors are sharp. The smoke made by incense sticks and lamps is giving a mysterious effect to the scene. Well done, have a nice day.

Pierre

marietom (31802) 2009-05-18 6:53

hello Angshu,

Magnifique, je l'ai déjà dit ailleurs je crois. Les couleurs et l'atmosphère me plaisent beaucoup.
Bonne journée
marie

josepmarin (33785) 2009-05-18 9:10

Hi, my friend Angshuman,
It is a ritual scene caught with all its spirituality and with many elegance, in which we can feel the devotion in this choreography of the young men with his yellow dresses, and the atmosphere created by the smoke of the incense.
A great capture, with good quality of image even using an ISO 1600.
Great work.
Best regards,
Josep

jafadabret (39441) 2009-05-18 12:13

Hello Angshu.
La photo est excellente et traduit parfaitement l'ambiance recueillie d'une cérémonie religieuse. La fumée de l'encens, les robes de soie et la lumière sont autant d'éléments qui donnent une grande beauté à la composition.
Jacques

Waylim (10741) 2009-05-18 13:10

Hello Angshu,
It's a very beautiful image showing such a spiritual event. I love the emotion that I get from the celemony. You capture the event with such good technical quality and great POV and composition, it put us right in the middle of the activities, it feel as close as being there ourselves. Absolutely wonderful work here and an image with TE spirit.
Way

berek (28865) 2009-05-18 20:52

Hi Angshumani,
very interesting moment here. I love mystic atmosphere and smoke effects. well framed picture. thanks for your note.
Best wishes.
Burak

karthikcs (271) 2009-05-18 23:25

A lovely shot.. the black background and smoke over it looks very nice

fanni (8733) 2009-05-19 0:07

Hello Angshu,
this looks like an illustration (which more looks like a painting, though) from a very old sacred book.
The composition is excellent! and the lighting was captured very well, too. Very beautiful moment, very interesting scene. Very unusual (for me). Thanks to TE we can see it :)
Warm regards,
Elena

riclopes (32969) 2009-05-19 1:50

I remember well this one, Angshu. It's a superb capture with a very impressive result at iso1600. Great diagonal, imposing presence of the closer disciple. The smoke is the best, enhancing the magical mood and disguising the audiance in the background.
friendly regards,
ricardo

Bluejeans (32053) 2009-05-19 10:41

Ola Angshuman ,
Que profundidade de foto magnifica com estes monges vestidos de amarelo , o fumo no ar deu bastante dramatismo a foto , boas cores , bom enquadramento da foto , parabéns!!
Um abraço Gonçalo

bracasha75 (22009) 2009-05-19 12:16

Helo Angshuman
What to say here???????
Only couple word:
Extrem good ritual work from them and you
Thanks for sharing
Cheers,Braca

bostankorkulugu (33518) 2009-05-19 21:16

a true masterpiece i think... the smoke surrounding these men and all the other details are very well presented angshu... loved the saris and cloths in golden tones, adding charm to the scene... beautiful indeed... korkut

Atousa (3434) 2009-05-20 3:19

Salam Angshu,

What a nice shot of this interesting ceremony!.. your chosen pov has been very good here..the details are worth seeing n the atmosphere wonderful..superb!..congratulations.
Best regards, Atousa

ChrisJ (70099) 2009-05-20 6:01

Namaste Angshuman

It looks like an Indian version of 'the last supper' There are many paths up the same mountain, I suppose. Perfect symmetry & repetition. The incense smoke adds mood. Tfs!

zeca (20026) 2009-05-20 20:36

Its a beautiful and impressive scenery, very well captured with excellent exposition and nice contrasts. The lights on the smoke are really great here!
Regards,
Zeca

sagar (2307) 2009-05-21 4:49

Hi Angshumanda,
This is my first critique in the new look TE. Exceptionally well managed lights here...the fumes and the lights create a kind of psychedelic effect, which I liked a lot. Very well frmed too.
Regards,
Sagarneel.
PS- With the transfromed look of TE in place, do you think one should go for a darker border instead of a white border from now on. I found the blck border here to be higly appealing.

Didi (36044) 2009-05-21 11:01

Hi Angshuman
Interesting diffusion of lights thru the smoke.
Nice setting of the white balance who gave theese warm colours.
Well done
Best regards

batalay (20836) 2009-05-21 18:10

Hello "Mr. B."

Your photograph is a fabulous work of art, another candidate for my gallery of favorites. It has everything — the exotic subject, the mastery in the composition, the implementation of a perfect exposure. You've captured the instant when the three worshipers are in perfect harmony with the incest jugs. The golden hues, the sharp resolution, the texture of the silken garb, the obscuring smoke.. And to boot, you've complemented the photograph with a genuinely informative and well written note.

Warm regards,

Bulent

plimrn (19600) 2009-05-22 22:31

Hi Angshu,
Magical light, the smoke adds to the excitement of your composition. I can't find the water view but it can't be as luminous as this one.
HLJ, Pat

Kielia (8397) 2009-05-24 10:20

Hi Angshuman,
the mysterious atmosphere is the main feature of this stunning image! Excellent management of the light and very beautiful colors. There is such a fantastic mood that one gets the feeling to be among the visitors of this demonstration. Congratulation!
Warm regards
Harriet

bakes888 (18137) 2009-05-24 22:58

Hi Angshu. At first I thought this was done by smoke and mirrors ;-). Great photo, full of mystery and atmosphere. Good handling of light and well composed. Nice work and thanks for sharing.
Have a good week, Paul.

everlasting (10898) 2009-05-26 6:08

Just stunning, I thought it was a paintign from the thumbnail. Perfectly timed, all the arms up in perfect chorepgraphy. The smoke creates the mood and in combination with the light - magical!

Bruno40 (6440) 2009-05-27 6:06

wow, this is amazing, great cultural shot, and excellent light.
very well done
Jorge

I_WanderingSoul (652) 2009-05-27 6:31

Hi Angshuman,
This is a masterpiece! I never thought rituals could be composed with such beauty! Perfect timing and i am amazed by the perfect harmony of these disciples. The smoke creates a magical atmosphere.
TFS,Neelima.

avene (10944) 2009-06-05 21:27

I cannot believe I missed this photo. or may be I didn't, just thought that this is a photo of some painting and passed over. but I'm happy to discover I was wrong, and that this is actually a great shot. love the smoke-filled scene, I bet the air was full of all kinds of smells and scents, must've been quite an experience to be right there. the bold yellow clothes stand out very well, everything is just right in this frame. great shot, Angshuman, I like it a lot.

best,
Kristine

Urs (2756) 2009-06-28 23:52

Dear Angshuman,

Amazing you clear your picture is despite pushing the ISO up to 1600. Sometimes it is necessary to do it, but I generally avoid any ISO higher then 400. Your very nice shot proves, that 1600 ISO can be mastered without a grainy result. Going there early allowed you to have a clear view of the ceremony. Vibrant colors, great sharpness and excellent DOF. Well done

best regards
Urs

sabyasachi1212 (19546) 2009-07-12 7:05

Dear Angshu,
Now how did I miss this one!!! Aboslutely gorgeous!! The light, the smoke, the overall ambience, the low POV - you have got everything spot on. Reminds me of a similar photo I had seen in the Traveller Outlook a few years back. The only difference is, this is far better. Infact the best aarti photo I have seen from Varanasi. I would love to add it to my favourites!
Best Wishes
Sabyasachi

rigoletto (26172) 2009-07-12 14:59

This is by every means a recent TE classic!
With all the glamour, glitter and enchant of those Varanasi rituals, shines this brilliant work of yours.
Bravo!
Deniz

figenya (1228) 2009-07-15 16:53

Very special shot... Perfect... Cheers.

Figen

sultana (1117) 2009-07-16 3:41

Hello Angshuman,
Excellent composition with good light management and framing.Thanks for sharing this traditional ceremony perfectly.
sultan

UgaldeSoros (6) 2009-07-21 23:58

The POV is extraordinary. You have managed to capture a singular moment that translates to my senses as a movie instead of a still photo. I can hear the chanting, music and swoosh of their robes when I look at this photo. Like 'KLB' I thought this was a painting when I saw the thumbnail preview. My favorite aspect of the photo is the smoke obscuring the audience allowing my focus to be on the men performing the ritual.

ALEXIS-K (119) 2009-09-17 12:37

Excellent !!!!

crckt (7072) 2009-10-20 17:43

Dear Angshumanda,
ISO 1600 and still no noise. That is really awesome! I love the shot, the saffron colors add to the mood. This is the shot I wanted to see, so Benaras like :)
Well done,
Shaeri