across india
Photographed during personal and commissioned travel assignments, these images are a visual chronicle of my journey across India. They are an attempt to understand the immensity of the Indian landscape and its unfathomable diversity - in terrain, culture and food.
Monks gather in the main courtyard at Rumtek Monastery. Preparations are on in full swing to celebrate the birthday of His Holiness The 17th Karmapa, on the next day. Every year, The Karmapa's birthday is a big cause for celebration across the monastery, and brings everyone together, despite differences in age, experience and knowledge, to come together and celebrate.
Rumtek, Sikkim.
A portrait from Alwar, Rajasthan.
To somewhere, in the middle of nowhere.
Rajasthan.
Dorjii is a warm and friendly young man. A local monk, he spends his day painting the side doors of the main building here at Enchey Monastery. Having completed his studies here in the monastery, he left to pursue painting at a local art school in Gangtok. After nine long years, he's back, working here at the monastery and adding to a rich collection of paintings and artwork that adorn Enchey monastery.
Rumtek, Sikkim.
Rajesh, or Rinkle as he is known to many here, accompanies us to Chandrakhani pass from Rungsu in Naggar. Rinkle and Scooby share a lovely relationship, both giving each other company as they trek through the thick forest. Every once in a while, when the walking has gone on for a little too long, they'll stop and rest. Rinkle generally carries a packed tiffin, which he sometimes shares with Scooby, his scruffy friend more than delighted about a lunch break under the sun.
Naggar, Himachal Pradesh.
His Holiness The 17th Karmapa’s celebrations underway at Rumtek Monastery.
Rumtek, Sikkim.
Dinner with Kinzang Dorji, the disciplinary incharge at Rumtek. His meal includes brown rice, thin daal (lentil soup), potato with cheese, some greens and red chillies to add spice and flavour.
Rumtek, Sikkim.
Taken from the Mosque Complex on the southern side of the Taj Mahal.
Agra, Uttar Pradesh.
The Taj Mahal.
Agra, Uttar Pradesh,
Rann of Kutch, a salt marsh in the Thar Desert in the Kutch District of Gujarat, India
Early morning prayers.
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
Ganga Aarti (prayers).
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
A Kathakali performance begins. Kathakali is a form of classical dance and storytelling that dates back to over 500 years and finds its origins in Kerala.
Alappuzha, Kerala.