just a beginning, a photo from North Central, North

Photographer's Note

The Esala Perahera is held annually in Kandy to honour the Sacred Tooth Relic. It runs for 10 days, ending on the poya (full moon).

Its origins go back to when the Sacred Tooth Relic was brought to Ceylon, which was during the reign of King Kirthisiri Meghawanna who ruled at Anuradhapura from 303 to 331.

The famous Chinese traveler Fa Hien describes a enormous procession in Arundhapura, but it is doubtful whether the procession as described by Fa Hien continued to be held after Anuradhapura ceased to be the capital of Ceylon.

The Kandy Esala Perahera as we know it today, with the four Hindu Dewale Peraheras participating in it, has its origin in 1775 A.D. under the reign of King Kirthisri Rajasinghe.

While the anuual procession in Kandy is one of Asia's most magnificent festivals, since 1997 (after some 900 years!) there is a much smaller annual Perahera in Arundhapura too. It takes place a couple of weeks before its more famous counterpart in Kandy. No seats need to be booked in advance here, just sit down on the sidewalk somewhere and wait for the dark.

more historical info here

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This picture is my opening shot from the Anuradhapura Perahera. It shows a participant getting ready to play with fire. Are you ready?

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ISO-400

bayno, abmdsudi has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

serp2000 (47063) 2011-08-30 10:07

Hi, Benny,
Fine psyhodelic photo! Excellent night colours, nice composition. Well seen!
Warm regards,
Serghei

bayno (18348) 2011-08-30 13:48

Ehi, Benny, welcome back, nice picture, I like the expression of the man that handles the twists, beautiful atmosphere, cheers, Valter

Waylim (25436) 2011-08-31 9:15

Hi Benny,

Welcome back, that's where you been MIA. Can't wait to see the rest of the photos. This is a difficult shot to take, but I like your approach, no flash, it make it feel more authentic, like I was there seeing it with my own eyes, not artificial light and the glow of the flames illuminated the dark environment, very eye catching and the way is is slanted ina 45 degree angle, looks like the astroid coming toward earth :) it is almost 2012 anyway.

Way

delnaja (2056) 2011-08-31 9:19

Hi Benny,
I'm ready :)
Great beginning of this series. Wonderful captured, technically perfect.
Waiting for the others now.
Regards
Fred

dkmurphys (79209) 2011-09-01 3:46

Hi Benny,
Interesting festice shot, a spectacular event capture. Well catch, have a nice afternoon.

abmdsudi (95869) 2011-09-01 4:54

Hi Benny
Perehara festival and something new, thank to your infor wirte up.
You must be very pleased with how this one came out given the condition,
you achieved the result pretty well. A well timed flammable capture, enough
clarity in vibrant colors and movement but love the atmosphere really fits the ocassion.
Well done as a starter, Congrats
Best regards

tusharkmandal (3173) 2011-09-01 6:57

Hi Benny,

A nice one. the fire ad the man with them. The frame is nicely seen and captured.

Welcome back
Tushar

jemaflor (146330) 2011-09-12 4:26

Hi Benny,
Interesting series about fire taken in the dark, good dynamic effect with the fire in diagonal, good capture, tfs.