Durga Pujo 2010 Celebrations [Archive] - The Global Indian Photographer

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KrishnenduKes

10-13-2010, 11:15 PM

I am opening a thread of the Durga Pujo 2010 Celebrations. May all post their best creative shots of this grand festival in this thread. This thread will also be open to Critique. So please go ahead...

http://www.thephotographer.in/galleries/data/578/medium/MG_1489.jpg

http://www.thephotographer.in/galleries/data/578/MG_1488.jpg

http://www.thephotographer.in/galleries/data/578/medium/MG_1480.jpg

http://www.thephotographer.in/galleries/data/578/medium/MG_1481.jpg

http://www.thephotographer.in/galleries/data/578/medium/MG_1483.jpg

http://www.thephotographer.in/galleries/data/578/medium/MG_1474.jpg

http://www.thephotographer.in/galleries/data/578/medium/MG_1486.jpg

http://www.thephotographer.in/galleries/data/578/medium/MG_1479.jpg

http://www.thephotographer.in/galleries/data/578/medium/MG_1463.jpg

These shots were taken during the Durga Protima preparations in arguably the world's biggest clay image making centre, Kumartuli, Calcutta, August 2010.

Cyclops

10-13-2010, 11:25 PM

Awesome shots of the upcoming Durga Puja preparations, Kenda.

P.S.: As per watermark "© KrishnenduKes Photos", I don't have any right to critique this work. Its an amalgamation of great use of available light, opportunity, amazing eye and camera skills.

KrishnenduKes

10-14-2010, 09:13 AM

Aryan

10-14-2010, 09:16 AM

Very nice, Ken Da. I absolutely loved the second shot. The 'expression' is amazing!

KrishnenduKes

10-14-2010, 09:41 AM

Very nice, Ken Da. I absolutely loved the second shot. The 'expression' is amazing!

Thanks Aryan. That is one of my favourites too.

Vicky

10-14-2010, 11:38 AM

Great series... my favs are #2 & #6:)

KrishnenduKes

10-14-2010, 12:37 PM

Great series... my favs are #2 & #6:)

Thanks Vicky.

I guess you have a pretty decent Durga Pujo at Assam too. Will we have a chance of seeing some images from you for the occasion?

surya@64

10-14-2010, 03:18 PM

@Kris, Great available light photography....sharp and crisp images...
Thanks for bringing it to down south the making of the idols for Durga pooja.

I wish there can be some pic. of Behind the scene and Men at work in this process of Idol making.

KrishnenduKes

10-14-2010, 04:16 PM

I wish there can be some pic. of Behind the scene and Men at work in this process of Idol making.

You have given me an idea there. Maybe next year.

There is a friend of mine who has shot the entire process and will probably be making a photography book soon on his work.

anvancy-(macro analyst)

10-14-2010, 10:45 PM

Black and White suits perfectly to the series.The idols are yet to be painted are in the intermediate stage.Wonderful play with the BW.

The shots definitely carry your style...simplistic.

Anvancy

KrishnenduKes

10-15-2010, 10:42 PM

Thanks Anvancy.

Waiting for inputs from other members visiting Durga Pujo Pandals and Stalls. Great ambiance at CR Park these days. I am sure it is better in Cal.

Vicky

10-16-2010, 07:17 AM

Thanks Vicky.

I guess you have a pretty decent Durga Pujo at Assam too. Will we have a chance of seeing some images from you for the occasion?

Waiting for inputs from other members visiting Durga Pujo Pandals and Stalls.

Well, Durga Puga is really BIG in Assam... but therein lies the problem! There are far too many people out on the roads and traffic is a nightmare:mad:

At 11pm last night we headed out to check out a few near by Puja Pandals... but even at this hour, there was still way too much crowd with excessive pushing and elbow grinding for my comfort... did not even take the camera out of the car:o

Aryan

10-16-2010, 09:59 AM

A very Happy Durga Puja to everybody. :)

http://i53.tinypic.com/b4ajdh.jpg

KrishnenduKes

10-16-2010, 10:24 AM

Well, Durga Puga is really BIG in Assam... but therein lies the problem! There are far too many people out on the roads and traffic is a nightmare:mad:

At 11pm last night we headed out to check out a few near by Puja Pandals... but even at this hour, there was still way too much crowd with excessive pushing and elbow grinding for my comfort... did not even take the camera out of the car:o

Thought as much. Maybe you could take time out during the day!

A very Happy Durga Puja to everybody. :)

Thanks Aryan. But I guess you will be giving us a little more with "People" shots of the event! :)

anvancy-(macro analyst)

10-16-2010, 10:33 AM

A very Happy Durga Puja to everybody. :)

http://i53.tinypic.com/b4ajdh.jpg

some with the 10-22 also please.

Anvancy

Vicky

10-16-2010, 11:43 AM

/\ Beautiful shot Aryan:)

Thought as much. Maybe you could take time out during the day!

I was thinking of doing exactly that... but its been raining since morning.. :mad:

KrishnenduKes

10-16-2010, 09:14 PM

some with the 10-22 also please.

Anvancy

I second that.

/\ Beautiful shot Aryan:)

I was thinking of doing exactly that... but its been raining since morning.. :mad:

You still have one more day! Damn!

roschmann27

10-17-2010, 10:23 AM

superb! like the 2 nd one very much

Vicky

10-17-2010, 06:14 PM

You still have one more day! Damn!

Thanks Ken!

You inspired me to step out of my comfort zone and attempt something which I would have preferred to give a miss;)

Vicky

10-17-2010, 06:31 PM

What follows is a sequence of 'street photography' style photos... zero post processing on any of these... straight convert from RAW to JPG, batch resize and watermark..

All are hand held and I mostly used the Tamron 17-50 VC for the slow shutter speed shots and the Sigma 30mm 1.4 for the others.. EXIF intact in all the photos..

Love the vibrancy of the newer LED lighting..
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4083/5089388070_16fa6887e4_o.jpg

Fewer and fewer 'Pandals' these days... more emphasis on lighting..
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/5089392784_696255d3dc_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4035/5088790567_2436981d86_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4084/5089392908_5a6b1abbfb_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4032/5089393010_7cca8732bd_o.jpg

Maa Durga in 'Tri Mukhi' guise...
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4084/5089388352_283c38f3f3_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/5089388534_e6b01223fa_o.jpg

The famous Bengal "Dhuna"...
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4125/5088795291_4634dfd733_o.jpg

Lord Ganesha..
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4083/5088795391_08394f1a97_o.jpg

Distributing 'Prasad' to the devotees..
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4103/5089393302_99dc405723_o.jpg

more to come...

KrishnenduKes

10-17-2010, 10:02 PM

Vicky

10-17-2010, 10:25 PM

Maa..
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4091/5089388932_4b57dd07c5_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4112/5089389116_dd4bbc13af_o.jpg

Money is GOD... literally here..
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4112/5089389224_e77631498f_o.jpg

Closer Crop..
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/5088791687_26760ff578_o.jpg

A moving sea of euphoric visitors
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4110/5088791793_4fc1c1d0c8_o.jpg

Watches, Leather Belts, Wallets, 'Roy Ban' shades... we have it all...
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4090/5089388692_6057a5ed68_o.jpg

Even 'moongfali' is a big time favorite..
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/5088791907_120405e7af_o.jpg

Anything and everything that is put on sale has plentiful buyers
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4086/5088796065_f4a9277dc0_o.jpg

Showpieces hand made of earthenware
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4125/5088792059_edd476ed15_o.jpg

KrishnenduKes

10-17-2010, 10:29 PM

Super shots Vicky! Thanks for capturing the spirit and essence of the Durga Pujo celebrations. I think that the prize of documenting this extraordinary event in the year 2010 goes to you. But I will wait for a few more days before actually saying something like this! :)

Vicky

10-17-2010, 10:37 PM

Thanks a LOT Vicky.

I realise that I have fallen behind the times a lot having missed the Pujas in the East for the past 21 years! Style has changed a lot I notice, both in the making of the idols, newer technology has come in, in the form of LED lighting and all.

Enjoyed your shots. Thanks for sharing.

Super shots Vicky! Thanks for capturing the spirit and essence of the Durga Pujo celebrations. I think that the prize of documenting this extraordinary event in the year 2010 goes to you. But I will wait for a few more days before actually saying something like this! :)

Thanks YOU Ken! It was on your insistence that I attempted this 3hr photo shoot:)

KrishnenduKes

10-17-2010, 11:16 PM

If I am free, I will try to do a dedicated photo shoot next year!

Vicky

10-18-2010, 08:40 AM

How about some hot 'Ghugni Tikki'?
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4108/5088795557_dba70e7142_o.jpg

These colorful 'wind wheels' are a big favorite with children..
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4126/5089393496_87d5ef4037_o.jpg

Here I'm en route to the excessively hyped 'Titanic Puja' at Guwahat...
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4085/5088792161_120b501cb4_o.jpg

All you can see is a never ending see of heads..
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/5089390974_7fbf64f78d_o.jpg

And with this maddening crowd, it looks like the hype is for real..
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4128/5089390066_71e6916530_o.jpg

In this much crowd, you need not use your legs to walk... just loosen your body and you'll drift with the flow;)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4124/5089390354_3ec308e03c_o.jpg

With so many people and so little space, God forbid, it a stampede were to happen here.... you cannot even imagine the number of possible casualties:mad:
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/5088793359_da405aa9c0_o.jpg

And after all this much pushing and shoving, you finally get to see this... a 4-story wooden replica of the Titanic:) Wow!!
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4103/5088793137_7af09bc7a0_o.jpg

And the obligatory 'Titanic Pose':)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4124/5088792647_247ae87ace_o.jpg

Maa Durga's Idol inside..
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4084/5088792987_1614a5540b_o.jpg

Hot 'Jalebis' were everywhere... its sweet... tasty... filling and @ 2/- per piece... its affordable for the masses:)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4046/5088793487_a9a87a4ba5_o.jpg

A patron enjoying his 'Jalebis' in one of the makeshift 'Sweet Shops'
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4106/5089391454_ff85cd47ef_o.jpg

A typical 'Chat House'.... don't miss the 'nimbu mirch' on the top left to ward off all evil:)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4144/5089391568_b93abf0cdb_o.jpg

robin234

10-19-2010, 05:16 AM

@Krishnendu and Vicky : great pictures :)

thanks for sharing them :)

KrishnenduKes

10-20-2010, 10:38 PM

@Vicky: Brilliant documenting. Honestly, you take the cake this year. Good photos of the sea of people, good work of the pandal, of the lighting, the side attractions and the superb shot of the "wind wheels". Hats off! Inspiring work indeed.

anvancy-(macro analyst)

10-20-2010, 11:08 PM

Wonderful coverage Vicky.The movement adds a lot of drama to the shots.

Anvancy

Vicky

10-21-2010, 11:47 AM

@Krishnendu and Vicky : great pictures :)

thanks for sharing them :)

@Vicky: Brilliant documenting. Honestly, you take the cake this year. Good photos of the sea of people, good work of the pandal, of the lighting, the side attractions and the superb shot of the "wind wheels". Hats off! Inspiring work indeed.

Wonderful coverage Vicky.The movement adds a lot of drama to the shots.

Anvancy

Thanks guys! Glad you liked these... coz it was indeed tough work getting 'into' the crowd and shooting;)

final installment coming up...

Vicky

10-21-2010, 12:52 PM

Another street vendor selling these 'auspicious' danglers! You are supposed to hang two of these (one on each side) of your main door and they bring in prosperity into your life:)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4112/5088796437_ec381f5fe4_o.jpg

These guys were making their Jalebies right there for every one to see! It was a sight that many were enjoying!!
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/5088796365_8da331c407_o.jpg

How about cooling off with come Mewar Ice Cream after the hot Jalebis :)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4131/5089393978_c0870dfc87_o.jpg

Local Social Organizations took the opportunity to provide complimentary drinking water to all the puja revelers...
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4089/5088796265_1c7a3a7a4e_o.jpg

Pani Puri seemed to be a favorite with the women!
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4087/5088795915_be3aee9908.jpg

Curious onlookers enjoying the 'Fantom' LED Show;)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4110/5088795831_077c87538d_o.jpg

People enjoying snacks in one of the make shift 'restaurants'..
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4151/5089391804_b71f9087c0_o.jpg

This Puja so truly depicted the ratio between 'Good' and 'Evil' in today's world..
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/5089392206_4dd143ef90_o.jpg

Many of the Pujas were offering this divine 'Bhog' ( a kichri type preparation made out Rice and Lentils) to all the devotees...
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4091/5089392334_369d20ac2c_o.jpg

I really liked the vibrancy and contrast of these LED lightings:)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/5088794111_931cf7cf30_o.jpg

Finally, I reached this much hyped Puja in 'Lachit Nagar' area in Guwahati This is one area of the city which is severely affected by a perennial water logging problem. Even half an hour of moderate rain,and the whole are gets submerged in knee deep water :eek:

This is the local people's way of trying to highlight their problems to the utter indifference of the Govt authorities..

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4089/5089392694_bdcdb49466_o.jpg
Lord Ganesha is seen here pulling a rickshaw while Maa Durga is trying to negotiate the knee deep water. Sheru is using an inflated tube to save himself from drowning. Kartik is ferrying Laxmi and Saraswati on make shift raft made on banana tree while the bad guy Mahishasur has come fully prepared in gum boots!:cool:

Here's one more shot from another angle where you can see a poster of the Urban Development Minister looking on from his offical Car:)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4125/5089392466_f2a739c853_o.jpg

Tarc

10-21-2010, 02:16 PM

^^ Good innovative description by the locals there!!
And another nice set of clicks Vicky. Thanks for sharing!

KrishnenduKes

10-21-2010, 06:00 PM

Another set of brilliant shots Vicky. Very glad to see what Durga is like in your parts. Looks like a huge elaborate affair. Compared to this, CR Park in Delhi looks ridiculous. Enjoyed seeing your photos a lot once again. I think we should do some city walks together with our cams. :)

smdeep

10-28-2010, 12:14 PM

Wonderful photos all! One from my side.

http://www.thephotographer.in/darkroom/attachment.php?attachmentid=1954&d=1288248170

KrishnenduKes

10-28-2010, 03:12 PM

Wonderful photos all! One from my side.

Nice shot Sudeep. But don't you think it is a bit overexposed?

smdeep

10-28-2010, 05:56 PM

Trying to bring out the guy in the foreground made it a bit bright. I tried to PP in Lightroom. PP is not my strong point.

Sudeep

KrishnenduKes

10-28-2010, 06:28 PM

Trying to bring out the guy in the foreground made it a bit bright. I tried to PP in Lightroom. PP is not my strong point.

Sudeep

I see that you are using a 400D. Shoot in RAW, PP will be a breeze. Changing your shots by fooling around with the sliders in Photoshop is nearly lossless when you shoot in RAW instead of shooting in Jpeg. Also keep the exposure a bit under instead of over. You can digitally recover unburnt elements. But overexposed shots give you less room for recovery!

smdeep

10-28-2010, 08:45 PM

@Ken
I shoot raw for most of the shots. Actually the colour original it alright, when converting to black and white in Lightroom the man became a bit difficult to differentiate so I adjusted the brightness. Will keep in mind your suggestion of shooting a bit under.
Thanks for the critique.

debangshu

10-29-2010, 12:17 AM

It seems I am the late comer here. Better be late than never ;)

@Ken da: Your shots are just mind blowing. I always plan to take shots of Durga Protima while its been made but never could execute it.

I am still seeing other posts and images, so, sorry can't say anything much.

But for you all a few from my side, although this time I could not click much during the pujas. I had posted a few in other threads so sorry if I repeat them over here to create the mood ;)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4147/5097069265_06f15899f1.jpg
The Goddess herself - Durga

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4128/5097667428_a26b4d8e2c.jpg
Asur - The Mahishasur

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4110/5097764136_87dde2cea7.jpg
The Almighty Family

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4131/5097671350_84c849c7ae.jpg
The Goddess in a different avatar

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4149/5097668004_d017282443.jpg
Smeared with the colours of Love, Joy and Prayers she leaves

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4128/5097669244_5614b8fb75.jpg
The goddess Laxmi accompaning Maa Durga

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4125/5097071829_dc58f550ac.jpg
And here she leaves.... Abar Kobe? ..... Bochhor Pore....

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4092/5097669692_a2da96779a.jpg
Here to Say Adieu to the beloved Goddess

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4151/5097070109_e6065f32cf.jpg
A wait until next time! It all comes to an end and a year long wait starts....

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4110/5097666174_1705abbf58.jpg
Until next time! The Dhak (drums) and the Kathi (sticks) may rest until next time...

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/5097073801_df3ae0eae9.jpg
"I stand still, alone in the crowd awaiting a dawn of happiness and joy. The Puja for me will be then..." - May Maa Durga fulfill all your dreams my unknown friend.

KrishnenduKes

10-29-2010, 08:07 AM

smdeep

10-29-2010, 10:29 AM

@debangshu I like the last three! They are really nice.

robin234

10-29-2010, 12:12 PM

@ debang : I like all :)

debangshu

10-30-2010, 11:36 AM

Thanks! :)

Better late than never.

The first shot is pretty nice though I pretty much dislike plump Durga protimas.

Your night shots are good too. Did you use flash?

Thanks Kenda, I used the inbuilt Flash in the photos 4, 5, 7 and 8 only. These night shots are my first ever High ISO shots @ 1250 and I am impressed, no visible grains! I guess I and my D90 are understanding us better each day ;)

@debangshu I like the last three! They are really nice.

Thanks

@ debang : I like all :)

Thanks boss! I am just trying to learn from you all people here.

Thanks TPIN!

simba_smiles

11-02-2010, 04:07 PM

Here are some from my end.........

Am on a low speed connection now, so can't upload photos right now.......will do that later.

For now, I'll try providing my Facebook photo links, hoping that viewers here can view the photos.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=157793&l=9e45ce6732&id=100001353513228

More photos coming soon.

.....Simba