Udayan Joarder

BONALU is an important festival of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, where the ladies offer Rice – Milk with Jaggery in a pot to mother Yellamma ( Mahakali) for four weeks in July every year. The devotees believe that while carrying the pots full of rice etc. on their head , the evil power ( The Demon ) may attack them. They need some protection and Potharaju who is thought to be the brother of Ma Yellamma protects  them from any evil power. Here one such Potharaju on the road of Hyderabad.

Among various Theyyam dances the Pottan Theyyam is a bright, lively and colourful ritualistic dance in the traditional art form of Theyyam. It is believed to be a manifestation of Shiva and is performed in Hindu tharavads. Pottan Theyyam symbolises resistance against social evils and represents goodness that can wipe out such evils in the community. During the performance, Pottan Theyyam rests upon the embers of a large fire and is approached by locals who seek his response and blessing after the performance and customs. The image shows such a moment in Pottan Theyyam where the performer is resting on fire.

Ghats in Varanasi are the riverfront steps leading to the banks of the river Ganges. The city has 84 ghats and most of them are used for bathing and puja ceremonials, while two ghats, Manikarnika and Harishchandra, are used exclusively as cremation sites. Each ghat in Varanasi has its unique nature and own colour. Each ghat tells its own stories to the visitors. Here is a moment in Munshi Ghat in the morning.

Pingla, of West Medinipur, often refers to as the Pattachitra Village of India and is renowned for its vibrant arts and crafts. This ancient form of artwork holds immense historical significance in the legacy of Indian handicrafts. Unlike many other art hubs, the entire village of Pingla is devoted to preserving and continuing this rich tradition. The image shows the graffiti of two fighting fishes on a wall and in front of it two little girls in playing mode.