This child is dressed as the deity Shiva, during the festival of Shivratri, in the city of Varanasi, India. The loin cloth is meant to symbolize power, since Lord Shiva wears a loin cloth made of tiger skin. The moon above the boy's head signifies the balance and harmony within the universe, which are under Shiva's control. Shiva is an all-powerful God, a focus for yogis and ascetics who wish to control their sensual side, and connect to the sublime.
This boy has a particularly penetrating stare and a sullen appearance, so he can really get into the role. The only issue was that by the late afternoon, the paint was starting to fade from his body, due to the boy's sweat.
Danpbphoto wrote:
This is spectacular Charles!
The numerous religions within India make for great history and photography!
The ethnicity's dark skin really provide a canvas for super vibrant compositions!
This is NO exception!
Very well done!
Dan
Thanks a bunch, Dan. Yes, I think India is remarkably photogenic due to the character of the people, and the special atmosphere there. What I like about the images above is the glowing blue of the boy's face. It partly reflects an inner glow.
