My enduring passion for both photography and exploration has led me to India on nine separate occasions within the span of the last thirteen years.
It's challenging to articulate precisely why India holds such a profound place in my heart, why it resonates as a second home where I've experienced some of life's most unforgettable moments.
Above all else, it's the people who have left an indelible mark on me. They embody simplicity, generosity, honesty, and a gentle dignity that is unparalleled.
Their warm embrace and remarkable tolerance towards all religions and cultures are qualities that continue to inspire me.
During my extensive travels throughout India, one group that has consistently captivated my attention is the Sadhus, the holy men of Hinduism.
The term "Sadhu," meaning 'good men,' refers to devout individuals who have renounced worldly possessions and chosen a life of spiritual devotion.
Their distinctive orange attire symbolizes the purity of their commitment, having metaphorically shed their former selves to embrace a new existence.
With a tradition spanning over five millennia, there are currently between four to five million Sadhus traversing the Indian subcontinent. Many gravitate towards the sacred waters of the Ganges, a lifeline revered as both a physical and spiritual entity by millions of Indians.
My long-term project documenting the lives of Sadhus aimed to capture the essence of these extraordinary individuals.
While my primary objective was to comprehend the wisdom and experience that enables them to lead such seemingly isolated lives, I recognized that true understanding could only come from immersing myself in their world.
Living in close proximity to the Sadhus was not just a means to an end; it was an essential step in capturing the intimate portraits I sought.
Each weathered face held a story waiting to be told, and it was through this immersive experience that I could truly convey their narratives.
This is the behind-the-scene film of the project:
WoW! All the photos are amazing and gave me the chills. Outstanding work and it would be hard to choose a favourite. However, the overhead capture of the Sadhus man is unique, the close crop with the fly on the eyebrow, and the focus and lighting on the man walking down the alley are superb! 🙌
PS. The story behind all of this is amazing🙏
The one with the fly on the eyebrow was on of my first pictures I took 13 years ago, I was still learning how to use a camera.. But is still one of my favourite. Thank you very much for your words!
That makes the photo more special.
They are photos that you never get bored of seeing and looking back at them this morning, the cropped black-and-white shows that the eyes are the window to the soul, and it reinforces what I feel, "that beauty does not fade, it simply becomes art."
You're very welcome, and I'm pleased you shared them with us.
Have a great day:)
Amazing portrait work, among the best I've seen today on #Hive!... A round of applause for you and thanks for sharing @mauro-debettio friend!
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@mauro-debettio! Your Content Is Awesome so I just sent 1 $BBH (Bitcoin Backed Hive) to your account on behalf of @jlinaresp. (1/5)
Very kind, thank you very much !
Excellent, simply excellent photos, really amazing 👏👏👏👏
Thank you so much !
Seem u went to explore Varanasi...tye best place to explore the timeliness India.
Oh yes, Varanasi is an amazing place!
Complimenti! Ritratti di notevole intensità e suggestione
Gentilissimo MArcello, ti ringrazio!
beautiful
Thanks !!!
Sadhus are engaged in penance, carrying the religiosity of India on their shoulders...and you have shown this spirituality in a very beautiful way in your photos. This post is today's best post on hive.
You're so kind, thank you so so much !
May be one day, you will think about settling here ?
Uuuhh, I thought about it many times.. Who knows..
Extraordinary portraits, places and experiences! !LUV
Thank you very very much my friend!
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wow , amazing shots, i feel emotion people in the pictures. Excellent job
Thank you very much!
Es un trabajo totalmente increíble, mis respetos para ti✨