O F F E R I N G, a photo from Uttar Pradesh, North

Photographer's Note

Offering flowers during Puja is the most common Hindu ritual. The River Ganga, believed to be the most sacred of rivers in India, is worshipped as the embodiment of Goddesss, specially in the holy cities of Varanasi and Haridwar. Flowers and garlands, mostly made up of Marigold are offered to the holy river as part of the ritual. Flower Offering symbolizes the natural opening of the heart to the Divine the way a flower naturally unfolds its petals. Pujas are to be done with the same purity, openness, receptivity and innocence, a spontaneous updwelling of our innate love of life. The seers saw in this flower offering the natural form of worship, nature's ultimate expression of love of God and they sought to embody it in our human lives.
Here a bunch of Marigold offered for Puja floats in the shimmering water of early morning Ganga in Varanasi. You can catch the refllections of the colourful bathing ghats in the ripples that have been created.

sunilshukla, bhorerpakhi, snunney, siolaw, ninaL, Nicou, photographer123, riclopes, kseng76, Budapestman, Kenggaroo, veve, ALIRIZA, jmcl, lucasgalodoido, pablominto, ramesh_lalwani, delkoo, papagolf21, ciec, Photo65Net, Cretense, Albrecht, VeeJayCee, plimrn, cuneyt-sb, Henryk_Bilor, kiwi_explorer, Silke, prezntime, singuanti, salvator, axiotea, sayat, Muse, tasuray, Vato_Law, claudeD, robertosalguero has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

faubry (35447) 2007-02-07 6:57

WOWWW, superb strong colors and effect on the water? i like it a lot!!!! very beautiful
take care
francine

sunilshukla (844) 2007-02-07 6:58

Moving away from your speciality but u hav still managd 2 hold ur own. The ripples and reflections gorgeous. Looks like nite shot but maybe it is bcoz of strong lite.
Sunil

bhorerpakhi (559) 2007-02-07 7:06

I have just this to say : You have mastered the DSLR and the telelens real fast to get this kind of output. I think as others will agree its the ripples which make this so photogenic.
Poulomi

spalit (87) 2007-02-07 7:14

Hi Sabyasachi,

How did you manage to get those wonderful ripples. Superb shot.

Suman

snunney (130967) 2007-02-07 7:16

Hello Sabyasachi,
Very powerful image with great tones. The patterns in the water are quite fascinating.

siolaw (38294) 2007-02-07 7:22

Hi Sabyasachi,
Central framing works well here as this garland floats in this extraordinary(litterally!) reflections, shapes and colors of Ganga water, looking like patterns on the 'tiger eye' stones...
Cool shot!
Laurent

uccia84 (720) 2007-02-07 7:36

bel punto di vista perfezione nei colori.

baba_flies (8829) 2007-02-07 7:37

Dear Sabyasachi ... your moving beyond and it truly "knocks" me out. Such an elegant way of showing this Hindu ritual. I love the flowers floating away to their own destination. Especially the little waves give me a feeling of a happy day. This all is "covered" in this most beautiful light. You made my afternoon ... Barbara.

ninaL (21348) 2007-02-07 8:09

Hi, Sabyasachi.
Perhaps the flowers are to saturated or too orange for me but the composition ane the water's texture are marvellous, here.
Interesting shot.
Best regards. Grazyna.

vinicio (23423) 2007-02-07 8:14

Fascinating view with reflections and symbolic image, all in one, well seen and done, compliments.
Ciao
Vinicio

jasmis (58653) 2007-02-07 8:36

Important photo. Amazing composition and colours. Interesting note, too. Regards.

photographer123 (6248) 2007-02-07 11:13

Hi sabya,
To be frank few days ago I bored with your photo,I also told you that but I can tell it without any hesitation you are genius..its wonderful shot,nothing to say more.what a color ,one of the best example of pattern shot.Just one thing to say,you can put those marigold little left/right,its almost middle of the frame.Sorry for my previous comment..lage raho...best wishes. SUBIR

Cormac (26565) 2007-02-07 11:23

Wow, what a beautiful shot! The flowers are of course the star attractions here, but the swirling patterns in the water are wonderful too, you could even say they are mesmerizing. Excellent!

pastadog (13111) 2007-02-07 12:39

Clever compo, Sabya, the flowers really stand out and the ripples are gorgeous, well done! Daniel

ibhm (322) 2007-02-07 12:55 [Comment]

Show Comment

kseng76 (144) 2007-02-07 13:42

o what a shot..the reflections on the ripples create a kind of illusion..

3 cheers SabyaDa

kaushik

Budapestman (82620) 2007-02-07 13:54

Dear Sabyasachi,
Beautiful impression. I like the fabled atmosphere. Effective POV and gorgeous composition. Reflection is decorative and interesting. Great shot.
Thank you, nice days
George

Kenggaroo (849) 2007-02-07 14:13

Very well projected flowers, Sabyasachi
The look of flower is wonderful among this abstract reflection onthe river surface.
Great Hindu culture image and great story.
Brilliant,
kenggaroo

veve (4189) 2007-02-07 14:21

Hi Sabyasachi,
Intersting image.The patterns on the water looks like a wood's structure.
Lovely colors!
Best wishes,
Veronica

scalerman (26900) 2007-02-07 14:22

Sabyasachi: great floating color. A little different from your usual uploads, but completely spot on in details and imagery. Fine surreal color scheme here. regards, c

t0mmm1 (5442) 2007-02-07 15:03

Hi Sabyasachi,
wonderful patterns and colours. I like it very much.
Have a nice day,
Tomi

partha (14023) 2007-02-07 20:39

Hi Dada,
Excellent previsualised shot. The reflection looks brilliant and the overall colour combination looks great.
Regards.
Partha

jmcl (14535) 2007-02-07 20:40

Hi Sabyasachi,

Beautiful flowers and color palette .. stunning water .. almost seems alien in a way .. well composed .. truly wondrous ...

take care,

John

RADEEH (2802) 2007-02-07 22:33

Dear Sabya
The graphical effect you have created in this composition is matchless. You have just pulled out an abstract from the holy river of Ganges. Mindblowing!! TFS
Rgds
Radeeh

zips (1958) 2007-02-07 23:03

A nicely saturated composition which looks as if it is an abstraction.

It has nice bokeh and it seems that your 400D is working well here,

Great Job.
Aloha, JB

leo61 (0) 2007-02-08 0:06

Hi Sabyasachi!
Wonderful composition with this flowerarrangement surrounded by the fantastic reflections.Light and colors are amazing.
Regards,Leo

jinju (14265) 2007-02-08 0:48

Hey Sabya,

thats really good. The reflections on th ater that mimic the shape and size of the flowe rofferings in the center. As usual good, STRONG colors, nice saturation that comes from either good pp or really good light.

pablominto (53746) 2007-02-08 1:38

Hello Sabyasachi,
A wonderful image with strong symbolic qualities!
Lovely colours contrasting very well, pleasant composition with good details!
Greetings,
Pablo -

ramesh_lalwani (3213) 2007-02-08 2:58

Hi talukdar
Amazing shot of garland moving in river.fast shutter speed has nicely brout details of whirls
Ramesh

hay_kes (31439) 2007-02-08 3:18

Hi Sabyasachi,
Very beautiful shot. Wonderful composition and nice lights. Thanks for sharing.
Cheers!

hAyAti

riclopes (35577) 2007-02-08 3:45

Spectacular shot Sabyasachi! Impressive how you can suprise me all the time :-) It's a beautiful tribute to this especial flower and important ritual. Even I did it in Haridwar and it was intense. Love your close approach and the abstract pattern on the water surrounding the yellow flowers. Congratulations!
Friendly regards,
Ricardo

papagolf21 (152607) 2007-02-08 3:52

Bonjour, cher Sabyasachi,
Magnifique prise de vue de ces offrandes faites � la Rivi鑽e du Gange.
Les reflets sont superbes. Une photo de tr鑚 grande qualit�.
F駘icitations, mon ami.
Philippe

delkoo (68) 2007-02-08 3:54

hi sabyasachi
simple but so effective and beautiful, reflections are absolutely wonderful , There's something very attractive about this shot
.

regards
didier

suhan (3552) 2007-02-08 4:19

very interesting and amazing. very nice cadrage, composition and colours.
very well done.
tfs-best regards
merve-s�leyman

Photo65Net (43144) 2007-02-08 5:26

Hello Sabyasachi,
First, many thanks to report us this beautiful Hindu ritual.
Your picture is a masterpiece, with great colors, and especially amazing water reflections and texture.
A great one,
JB.

Cretense (68709) 2007-02-08 5:41

Hi Sabyasachi!

Marvellous detail! Excellent central composition, great capture of the surface of the water and brilliant colours! Congratulations!

With greetings from Greece,
Hercules

ALIRIZA (16423) 2007-02-08 6:47

Hi Sabyasachi,
Very nice and colourful shot. Superb composition with strong colours and effect on the water. Well done my friend...
All the best...
Ali Rıza

John_F_Kennedy (43797) 2007-02-08 8:06

Like all your flower photo this one is splendid. You've manage the lighting very well and the colours are superb.
Achim

Albrecht (11283) 2007-02-08 8:55

Hi Sabyasachi
Perfect compo and colours and DOF using the light and reflections and the colours. Well seen and captured moment.
greetings from Holland
Albrecht

VeeJayCee (2410) 2007-02-08 9:47

Excellent work Sabya. The wonderful golden ripples almost steal the show.

plimrn (21344) 2007-02-08 10:10

Dear Sabyasachi,
Your photo truly illustrates the natural opening of the heart to the divine. I am so moved that words seem inadequate to describe your photo. I have been wishing you health, love & joy, but that seems almost trite here, you spread so much joy with your photos, Pat

lucasgalodoido (27698) 2007-02-08 11:23

Ol� Sabyasachi!
Linda foto, as cores ficaram imas e 疊ua ficou com um efeito muito interessante, parece at� que � outro liquido, bem mais viscoso!
Parab駭s e Abra輟

Wanda1 (15142) 2007-02-08 11:43

Hi Sabyasachi,
This is a true artwork. I love the ripples in the water and the lovely warm colours of the flowers contrasting against the colour of the water. Well spotted.
Regards
Wanda

cuneyt-sb (6576) 2007-02-08 12:26

Hi Sabyasachi my friend
I know this ritual of india ,
This is very simple but very nice shot, gives me many thing about life about beleive about peace.
Very good colorand very good DOF here , water looks amazing (Ganga) always amazing i think
TFS\ Kind regards

Henryk_Bilor (20803) 2007-02-08 15:57

Hi Sabyasachi
Excellent flowers. So beautiful on the water. Great performance of this photograph, it could be a gift on itself :).
Regards

ben4321 (9875) 2007-02-08 17:04

Sometimes the little details can communicate so much more than the grand vistas.
I think this shot owes a lot of it's success to the quality of the light, which is stunning. I like the shapes created by the ripples on the water.
The orange colour of the flowers is perhaps a little over-saturated, but nevertheless this is a really superb shot.
Great work, Sabyasachi.

Cheers,
Ben

kiwi_explorer (12209) 2007-02-08 18:09

Hi Sabyasachi,
WOW what a picture ... just beautiful. The ripples has a striking effect accentuated by the very good contrast between the flower and surrounding brownish waters. Another excellent photo from a master!
Cheers,
Renier

Silke (3027) 2007-02-08 18:58

Your photo has actually moved me to tears!
Stunning colours and details, phenomenal POV and composition -- I can say no more
TFS
Silke

prezntime (3946) 2007-02-08 21:56

Hello Sabyasachi...this shot for me is all about textures. THe smooth ripples in the water look like molded glass waves. Having these textures as a base to the flowers floating above is a wonderful contrast. I like the dark frame also, i think it makes the photo pop.
Regards,
Chris.

Angshu (56760) 2007-02-08 22:34

Dear Sabyasachi
This is where the DSLR counts so much..the speed & the ISO. The colour of the marigold is strong & saturated..but what makes the picture are the reflected patterns of the bathing ghats..totally surreal. Fascinating stuff!
Best Wishes
Angshuman

singuanti (15250) 2007-02-08 22:50

Hi Sabyasachi. Your zoom lens was used to perfection to zoom in on the most appealing part of the shot. What an effect you have with the water. I don't think I've ever seen anything quite like it. I think it's the contrast of the fluid water versus the sharp offering that I like the most. Great shot Sabyasachi!!

salvator (19110) 2007-02-09 4:04

Hi Sabyasachi,
Beautifull these closeup flowers on the river. The colors are soft and very very nice. Very good notes. Best regards. Salvator.

axiotea (21651) 2007-02-09 22:39

Hello Sabyasachi,
A lovely compo with nice textured water, reflections, beautiful light on the marigold garland and great colors. Well done!
Cheers,
Marilyn

sayat (2949) 2007-02-10 14:37

It's like a poem... A masterpiece...
Sayat

PJE (20758) 2007-02-11 23:57

Well Sabyasachi I would have to agree with the many who have brought comments to this photo. Its simply a wonderful display capturing the beauty of shimmering water with the marigolds here. Excellent capture to say the least!

markstaples (15670) 2007-02-12 12:10

Hello Sabyasachi
I love the shapes formed by the reflections in this shot which produce an abstract image. Lovely.
Best wishes
Mark

tasuray (142) 2007-02-13 2:06

Hi Sabya,
kamal ka shot.What a colour !!!!
Mon bhore galo khusite.

Muse (35030) 2007-02-13 3:30

Hello Sabyasachi,
Une jolie photo o� les reflets dans l'eau font toute la photo.
Une tr鑚 belle capture de ce moment et de belles couleurs
Best regards,
Denise

Vato_Law (12732) 2007-02-15 16:40

Hello Sabyasachi.
A nice tradition perfectly presented by this photo. Love the elegant look of the photo with the flowers resting over the water looking like an abstract paiting.
Great colours and light creating this intimist and simbolic look.
Cheers.
Paulo

hoorge (1434) 2007-02-18 11:18

Fantastic reflection and colors. Great composition and framing.

capthaddock (28790) 2007-03-10 15:35

Hi Sabyasachi - this is very moving, the flowers floating give a sad feeling while the bright colours look cheerful, the distortion caused by the reflections has a superb effect.

robertosalguero (292) 2007-03-21 2:56

I am glad I read the note. I would had never guess that I am looking at water. The figures creaed with the moving water and light are remarkable. A work of natural art well captured with your camera. Very nice work Sabyasachi.

Roberto

arghya001 (324) 2008-06-18 23:07

Hi,
The effects on the water is superb. Great colou.
Regards
Arghya