Kristian Bertel | Photography
News Archive Biography Blog Tearsheets Contact
Tearsheets
A selection of Tearsheets, showcasing the work of Kristian Bertel in print. Some of this work is commisioned assignments and brought in magazines. Besides the travel publications like International Traveller Magazine, the editorial demand for travel photography exists in industries like travel, photo education and photography schools. Many travel photographers also give photo advices for photo students, helping travel enthusiasts take great travel images during their trips.

See more about the tearsheets here
International Traveller Magazine
The photographer's photos and photographic work has been published in the January/February 2014 issue of the International Traveller Magazine, a magazine published by Australian Traveller Media. In this photograph one of the photographer's pictures of an Indian woman in the town of Pushkar has been selected as the primary photo for opening up the story.
106-107 The photographer's photos and photographic work has been published in the January/February 2014 issue of the International Traveller Magazine, a magazine published by Australian Traveller Media. In this photograph one of the photographer's pictures of an Indian woman in the town of Pushkar has been selected as the primary photo for opening up the story.
India is a mesmerising clash of beauty, colors and chaos, nowhere more than in Rajasthan, the parched desert state that is at once compelling and confounding. Here, photographer Kristian Bertel captures it in all its vivid glory, with a photograph of a couple of Indian women working at the Amber Fort in Jaipur, Rajasthan in India.
108-109 India is a mesmerising clash of beauty, colors and chaos, nowhere more than in Rajasthan, the parched desert state that is at once compelling and confounding. Here, photographer Kristian Bertel captures it in all its vivid glory, with a photograph of a couple of Indian women working at the Amber Fort in Jaipur, Rajasthan in India.
Nothing in India is indentifiable, the mere asking of a question causes it to disappear and merge into something else. International Traveller Magazine is a magazine for Australians heading overseas, using the same values of quality editorial and independent reviews that made the original Australian Traveller Magazine the most trusted travel magazine in Australia.
110-111 Nothing in India is indentifiable, the mere asking of a question causes it to disappear and merge into something else. International Traveller Magazine is a magazine for Australians heading overseas, using the same values of quality editorial and independent reviews that made the original Australian Traveller Magazine the most trusted travel magazine in Australia.
International Traveller Magazine's goal is to be the most authoritative, accessible, informative and entertaining source for any international traveller in the world as with this one of the photographer's photos of a religious gathering in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh in India. The travel magazine has featured the photos of Kristian Bertel | Photography over five spreads in their magazine.
112-113 International Traveller Magazine's goal is to be the most authoritative, accessible, informative and entertaining source for any international traveller in the world as with this one of the photographer's photos of a religious gathering in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh in India. The travel magazine has featured the photos of Kristian Bertel | Photography over five spreads in their magazine.
India is the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend, and the great grandmother of tradition. In these photographs Pushkar Lake in Pushkar, Rajasthan in India and an Indian woman in Mandawa, Rajasthan in India are making traditional Indian jewellery in a street of the town.
114-115 India is the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend, and the great grandmother of tradition. In these photographs Pushkar Lake in Pushkar, Rajasthan in India and an Indian woman in Mandawa, Rajasthan in India are making traditional Indian jewellery in a street of the town.

Photo works published in magazines

Over the years some of the published work of the photographer can be seen here on the tearsheets section of the photographer's website. The photos have been chosen by editors for publication in national and international magazines worldwide. These compelling, intimate, humanitarian images are a part of a notable photography recognision is published in print. After several years of photo works, the photographer made his first of what would become many trips to India. Traveling with little more than a bag of clothes and camera gear, he made his way across the subcontinent, exploring the country with his camera. Since his first trip to India, the photographer has gone on to create stunning images in the Maharashtra state and countless streets and neighborhoods. His work spans portraits, cultures, Indian traditions and contemporary culture alike, yet always retains the human element that made his image of the Indian girl on the frontpage of his website a beloved image by many. Something which the Photographer on assignments can use, taking the photographs that he loves the most of sceneries of street markets and colorful festivals in India. For him traveling broadens the mind and where he learns about other people, other places and other ways of doing things. As a Hindu country, India is still dominated by the caste system and is more conservative, especially outside major cities. Therefore, please do not dress liberally and avoid strict tenderness in public. In temples, take off your shoes. The peculiarities of Indian culture mean that timetables for buses and trains are only guideline values and the people are very helpful. Who gets involved, experiences an incredible affection and also deceleration. Culinary, the Journey through India is a culinary delight and the many spices and fresh fruits create an exotic taste experience, but just make sure everything is well cooked or fried and you are not drinking any tap water. In addition to summer and winter, there is still the rainy season in India in July and August. In general, it is very hot in the summer and particularly humid in the south. For a trip to India, therefore, winter, even if you already need warmer clothes for the cool nights in the north. Non-digital photographs and travel photographs are orignally produced with a two-step chemical proces and in the two-step process the light-sensitive film captures a negative image ccolors and lights and darks are inverted. To produce a positive image, the negative is most commonly transferred 'Printed' onto photographic paper. Printing the negative onto transparent film stock is used to manufacture motion picture films. Alternatively, the film is processed to invert the negative image, yielding positive transparencies. Such positive images are usually mounted in frames, called slides. Before recent advances in digital photography, transparencies were widely used by professionals because of their sharpness and accuracy of color rendition. Most photographs published in magazines were taken on color transparency film.

Travel magazines have become increasingly popular

Travel magazines have become increasingly popular in recent years, as more and more people are looking for ways to explore the world and learn about different places. Travel magazines are great for discovering new destinations, learning about different cultures and finding tips for the best places to visit and activities to do. From budget-friendly travel to luxury getaways, there are travel magazines to meet everyone's needs. For those looking to plan their next vacation, travel magazines are a great source of information. They provide detailed information on popular destinations, including information on hotels, restaurants and attractions. They also feature articles on different types of activities, such as skiing, camping and sightseeing. In addition, they often feature interviews with travelers who have been to the destination, giving readers a firsthand look at what the destination is like. For those looking to learn more about the culture and history of a destination, travel magazines are a great resource and they often feature articles on the local customs, culture and history of the area. They can also provide information on different languages spoken in the area and the best places to go for authentic experiences. For those looking to get away from it all and explore a new place, travel magazines are a great source of inspiration. They often feature articles on off-the-beaten-path destinations such as in India, along with tips on how to get there and what to do once you arrive. They can also provide information on special events and activities in the area, such as festivals and celebrations, that you may not find elsewhere. Finally, travel magazines are a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest travel trends. They often feature articles on new destinations, new ways to travel and new activities to try. They can also provide information on deals and discounts for those who are looking to save money on their next trip. Overall, travel magazines are a great way to stay informed and inspired about the world around us. Whether you are looking to plan a vacation, learn about a destination or just get away from it all, travel magazines can provide the information and inspiration you need to make your next trip a success.

Editorial photos from India in travel magazines

Originally, all photographs were monochromatic or hand-painted in color. Although methods for developing color photos were available as early as 1861, they did not become widely available until the 1940s or 1950s and even so, until the 1960s most photographs were taken in black and white. Since then, color photography has dominated popular photography, although black and white is still used, being easier to develop than color. t is best to leave photographs lying flat on the table when viewing them. Do not pick it up from a corner or even from two sides and hold it at eye level. Every time the photograph bends, even a little, this can break down the emulsion. The very nature of enclosing a photograph in plastic encourages users to pick it up, where users tend to handle plastic enclosed photographs less gently than non-enclosed photographs, simply because they feel the plastic enclosure makes the photo impervious to all mishandling. As long as a photo is in its folder, there is no need to touch it, simply remove the folder from the box, lay it flat on the table and open the folder. If for some reason the researcher or archivist does need to handle the actual photo, perhaps to examine the verso for writing, he or she can use gloves if there appears to be a risk from oils or dirt on the hands. A magazine is a publication, usually a periodical publication as the travel magazine seen above, which is printed or electronically published and also sometimes referred to as an online magazine. Magazines are generally published on a regular schedule and contain a variety of content of travel destinations with themes. As the photographer learned these travel magazines are generally financed by advertising, by a purchase price, by prepaid subscriptions or a combination of the three and in the case of written publication like International Traveller Magazine, it is a collection of written articles and this is why magazine publications share the root with travel magazines and in India, retail stores such as department stores. Editorial travel magazines as seen below also focus on the field of natural light and in the field of ambient light photography. Publishing is the dissemination of travel destinations such as India making information available to the general public. In some cases with editorial photography, authors may also be their own publishers, meaning originators and developers of travel content also provide media to deliver and display the content for the same. Also the written publisher can refer to the individual who leads a publishing company or an imprint or to a person who owns or heads a magazine. Traditionally, the term refers to the distribution of printed works such as books and newspapers. With the advent of digital information systems and the Internet, the scope of publishing has expanded to include electronic resources such as the electronic versions of books and periodicals, as well as micropublishing, websites, blogs, travel publishers and the like.

Printed in International Traveller Magazine

Are you an avid traveler who loves to explore the world? If so, then International Traveller Magazine is the perfect magazine for you and as the Photographer learned it is a travel magazine that covers destinations around the world and not only India. Whether you are looking for a winter getaway or a summer vacation, International Traveller has you covered and it features articles on various destinations, tips for the best places to visit and ideas for making the most of your trip and this magazine also offers reviews of resorts, hotels and restaurants, as well as advice on how to save money while traveling. Additionally, the magazine has features on how to stay safe while traveling, especially in unfamiliar locations. What sets International Traveller apart from other travel magazines is its focus on cultural experiences. Instead of just focusing on the tourist sites, International Traveller Magazine provides readers with an in-depth look at the culture and history of each destination and the articles often provide insight into the local customs and traditions, as well as tips on how to best experience the culture. International Traveller Magazine also provides readers with a variety of travel-related activities. From hiking to snorkeling, the magazine offers readers a chance to explore the outdoors and get in touch with nature. Additionally, the magazine offers tips on how to explore a city like a local and provides readers with advice on how to find the best attractions and for those looking for a unique travel experience, International Traveller Magazine is the perfect source of information. With its focus on culture, travel tips and activities, International Traveller Magazine is the perfect companion for your next trip. These tearsheets are a valuable tool for photographers and other visual artists and they are a way to present and promote their work, and to prove their copyright ownership and tearsheets are essentially a copy of a printed page or an article from a magazine, newspaper or other publication, so they are a physical proof of publication and contain the artist's work, name and the publication date.

Tearsheets are a proof of publication

For photographers, tearsheets are important for several reasons because they demonstrate that their work has been published, giving their portfolio more credibility. They can also be used as proof of ownership when copyright disputes arise and the tearsheets themselves are typically the size of a magazine or newspaper page and can include text, images and other information about the artist. It may also include the publication's logo and contact information, so tearsheets can be created in a variety of ways. Photographers can ask the publication to send a copy of the page where their work appears or they can create their own tear sheet by printing out the page and adding their own contact information. These sheets are also often part of photography competitions and awards and photographers are required to submit a copy of their tearsheet with their entry in order to prove that their work has been published so you can say that tearsheets are an important tool for photographers and other visual artists and the sheets are a physical proof of publication and can be used to demonstrate ownership and credibility and they are also often required for photography competitions and awards. Photography is an art form that has been around for centuries and it has evolved over time and has become an integral part of our lives. The ability to capture a moment in time, a memory or a story, is something that we all hold dear and the photographic works have the power to evoke emotion, to tell stories and to capture the beauty of the world around us. One of the most popular forms of photographic works are landscapes. Landscape photography is the art of capturing natural scenery in its most beautiful form and it requires patience and dedication to capture the perfect photograph and landscape photographers often spend hours just waiting for the perfect light to hit the scene. Portraits are another popular form of photography and portrait photography focuses on capturing the personality and character of the person or people in the photograph and it is a highly personal form of art and requires great skill and understanding of the person being photographed. Photography is an art form that is constantly evolving. As technology advances, so does the art of photography. From landscapes to portraits to travel photography, there are endless possibilities when it comes to creating photographic works and it is up to the photographer to decide how to use the tools at their disposal to create their own unique works of art.

Printed magazines also provide a unique format

Printed magazines have been a popular form of media for decades and they offer readers a wide range of content and provide an experience that is often different from that of digital media and these printed magazines provide a tactile experience that digital media cannot match. Turning the pages of a magazine, feeling the texture of the paper and smelling the ink give readers a more immersive experience than scrolling through a web page and this experience is enhanced by the visuals in printed magazines, which are often more vibrant and eye-catching than digital images. Printed magazines also provide a unique format that allows readers to easily find the content they are looking for. Editors curate content into sections, ensuring that readers can easily find what they are looking for and this structure also allows readers to easily skip over sections they are not interested in or to linger on sections they find particularly interesting. Printed magazines often feature exclusive content that cannot be found online. In-depth interviews, long-form articles and unique visuals can only be found in print. And, unlike digital media, printed magazines often feature content that cannot be found anywhere else. This makes them valuable resources for readers who are looking for something new and different. With the printed magazines can be a great way to support the creators of the content you are reading. Buying a physical magazine is more expensive than accessing content online, but it supports the creators and publishers of the content. This is especially true for smaller independent magazines, which often rely on print sales to stay afloat. Magazines that are printed offer readers a unique experience that is often different from digital media. They offer a tactile experience, an easily navigable format, exclusive content and a way to support the creators of the content. For these reasons, printed magazines such as travel magazines remain a popular choice for readers who want to experience something different.

India combines the most terrible and the most beautiful at the same time

For about 5,000 years India has been celebrating life and all its pleasures. Despite the changes and diversities in India, the country is still a picturesque and a unique tourist destination. The country's civilization is among the oldest in the world and the imaginations of tourists are always captivated by India's legends and culture and there are many places to visit and if you see the places your imagination will surely be colorful. But India combines the most terrible and the most beautiful at the same time and the photographer is interested in both the beauty and the ugliness of the country, such as India's poverty. The amount of people is unmanageable and the streets are never quiet, where mobile kitchen stalls, sales booths with every conceivable goods, hasty pedestrians, dusty cars and ringing rickshaws can be seen near half-naked beggars, sleepy cows. Sugar cane juice is freshly squeezed at one corner, sacks of spices are lined up and carefully piled up in a pile waiting for beaten goat heads on their shoppers. Lean men sleep immovably on the roadside, while loud hoisting trucks run right past them and ragged children of all ages are curious about every foreign visitor. Dogs and chickens search the rubbish on the road for something edible. Incredible India is beautiful and terrible at the same time. Travelers traveling on the Indian subcontinent split themselves into two camps, for some, it is a dreamland, in which they return again and again. For the others it is a simple nightmare, which they never want to repeat. About seventy percent of India's population is Indo-Aryan, while twentysix percent belong to the 'Dravids', who live mainly in the south of the country. The remaining four percent are distributed among smaller peoples, which are located above all in the northeast and east of the country. The desert and semi-desert area of western India is a unique natural space that should be visited. Located in the Middle East and separated from other Indian areas, are the large sand dunes, which can reach up to 150 meters. The Thar Desert is bordered by the rivers Satluj and Indus, as well as the salt marsh Rann of Kutch and the Aravallis. Extreme temperatures characterize the region, which belongs to the state of Rajasthan. In winter, the thermometer sinks below freezing, while in summer it even reaches 50 degrees. If you want to travel to this desert area, you should first inform yourself in detail about the climatic conditions and find the right time to travel. A camel safari through the Thar Desert will in any case be an exciting adventure that no traveler forgets. Mumbai is the largest city in India with 20 million inhabitants. New Dehli, the capital of India, on the other hand, if one adds the agglomeration to it, has only about 17.5 million inhabitants. Other large and well-known cities are among many others, for instance Kolkata, Kanpur and Chennai. If you spend your holidays in India, you should plan a visit to one of the big cities in the country. The mixture of old colonial-era buildings and modern buildings characterizes many cities. In addition, there are numerous attractions almost everywhere, such as Museums, parks or gardens.

Being a travel photographer

Being a travel photographer is an exciting profession for many. It is a unique job that allows you to combine the thrill of traveling the world with the satisfaction of capturing beautiful moments with your camera. Travel photography involves more than just taking photographs because it requires knowledge of different cultures, an understanding of light and composition and the ability to tell a story with each image you make. The most important aspect of a successful travel photographer is their ability to interact with different cultures and fit into any environment. It is a skill that is essential for capturing the best photographs since it allows you to get close to people and interact with them in order to get unique and genuine photographs and it is also a great way to gain insight into a different culture and experience new places. Light and composition are also essential. As a Travel photographer, it is important to be able to recognize and capture interesting moments in even the dullest of environments. This requires knowledge of how to use light and shadows to create interesting compositions, as well as the ability to play with the environment to create unique photographs. Being a travel photographer involves the ability to tell stories with each image you make. While the technical aspects of photography are important, a successful travel photographer should be able to convey a mood, emotion or idea with each shot they take. This means thinking creatively and finding unique ways to capture the feelings and emotions of a culture or place. Being a travel photographer is a rewarding job for many and it requires a good eye, technical skill and the ability to interact with different cultures. With hard work and dedication, anyone can become a successful travel photographer. Being a traveling photographer is one of the best jobs in the world. It allows you to see and experience some of the most beautiful places on Earth and it gives you a chance to capture unique and inspiring images that you can share with others. Traveling photographers often have to be flexible and creative in their work. They must be willing to adapt to different situations, adjust to different cultures and take risks which often will pay off in the end. The life of a traveling photographer involves long days and nights of exploration, capturing unique and dynamic photographs of unique and unspoiled landscapes. It can involve days spent in remote areas, taking sunrise and sunset shots or time spent in bustling streets capturing the culture and events of people's everyday lives. Being a traveling photographer also involves a great deal of preparation. Research on the different locations you will be photographing must be done thoroughly before any trip. Photographers must be knowledgeable about the climates, terrain and wildlife of a particular area and they also must have the right gear and equipment to get the photograph they are looking for. The job of a traveling photographer often involves long days and nights. Traveling photographers often find themselves working long and odd hours, capturing the perfect photograph in the perfect moment. This can be a challenge, but it can also be an incredibly rewarding experience. Traveling photographers are often drawn by the idea of new and unknown places and the opportunity to explore and capture the beauty of the world. It can be a difficult and demanding job, but it can also be a highly rewarding adventure. It allows photographers to share their creative vision and unique experiences with the world.

Immerse yourself in life on India

India, a country with the cultural diversity of an entire continent and the beauty of the landscape combined with thousands of years of history and religion make a trip to India a fascinating experience. Cultural attractions are the sightseeing in Delhi with the Jama-Mashid Mosque, Agra with the Taj Mahal or the erotic sculptures of the former Chandela empire in Khajuraho. Experience Rajasthan on a trip to India – land of the Maharajas and the Great Mughals, land of magnificent temples and palaces, land of thousands of years of history and cultural diversity, exotic mixture of colorful goings-on and ancient customs. During your India trips you will have the opportunity to get to know this country and its people intensively. Meet Sacred cows and magnificent elephants, let yourself be enchanted by the land of Bollywood and enjoy culinary highlights. India has a lot to offer. The Thar Desert is located in the middle of the state of Rajasthan and is the only true large desert in India. Sometimes it looks more like an African bush landscape than a real desert, but you can find some beautiful sand dunes here, of which there are permanent tours for tourist groups. This semi-arid stretch of land is located around the city of Jaisalmer. A great classic is offered to tourists here with he fortress city of Jaisalmer lies in the heart of the Thar Desert. It is yellow and okker colored and surrounded by huge, 5 kilometers long fortress walls and it looks like a 'Fata morgana' in the middle of the desert. Do not think twice and stay here for a few days and there are beautiful guest houses with rooms and restaurants with views of the desert and the fortress walls and it is very romantic. This is one of of the photographer's favorite cities in all of India and the photographer recommend it to all travelers while in India and one can admire the sunset from the large Sam or Khuri dunes. This is a must in this region, although the crowd gathered on the dune is sometimes frightening. The great activity and attraction of the Thar Desert is the famous camel ride in the dunes for one or more days. Personally, the photographer decided to spend several days in order to feel and enjoy the atmosphere of the desert as long and as intensely as possible and he keeps them in wonderful memory. However, the photographer recommend all travelers who want to comb the desert with a camel to find out about the best agencies at the moment at the tourist information office, in your guest house and from the locals or other backpackers. In fact, prices can double or even triple from one travel guide to another and some agencies are real rip-offs. It is better not to rush to the first offer that comes up and it is better to compare several offers before making your choice. The icing on the cake of a trip to India is of course the bivouac in the dunes under the open sky and the best time of year to spend the night outdoors is of course the dry season, although it also rarely rains in the desert during the monsoon season.

Many impressions in India

Myth, magic and modernity and India is back in and with the 'Palace of the Winds', colorful exotic and exciting cities, the many faces of the hip subcontinent are both fascination and inspiration. The north of India discovered for you with the photographs with their unforgettable experiences such as the photographers pictures of the country to know the world from its most exciting side. For the first time one can read about the insights by the photographer and it is a region of fascinating contrasts in the Golden triangle between Delhi, Jaipur and Agra, where magical splendor and fascinating modernity mix. New Delhi the capital of India with its thousand year old history, is also the city with the most sights and also many beggars. Here, among the ruined fortifications of the old fort of 'Purana Quila', during the last excavations, it was discovered that the city is equated with Indra-Prastha, the legendary metropolis of the 'Aryans'. However, the first historical records date back long time ago, when the Rajput princes were based in the city. 'Prithviraj', the last Hindu king who ruled Delhi lost his life in a battle almost 1000 years ago. Until the British colonial rule then ruled by Muslim rulers. Today's Delhi consists of two distinct parts. on the one hand the Old Delhi with its typically oriental quarters, its narrow streets and bazaars, its temples, mosques and other historical monuments. On the other hand, the New Delhi, which was created symmetrically as a garden city. Here, among the tombs and mausoleums, memorial sites of noble rulers and kings, Delhi is as it was designed by the British. wide boulevards, pristine gardens, scattered colonial summer houses and shady avenues. The 'Rajpath Boulevard' begins at the 'Indian Gate' and runs past the imposing Parliament building dead straight to the gates of the 'Rahtrapati Bhawan Palace', the residence of former viceroys. In Mumbai the photographer was located above one of the slums at a small staircase leads directly into a alley to the houses. There are a few stone walls, others consist of corrugated iron and others have a large plastic tarpaulin instead of a roof seeing an outdoor laundry filled with water or soap. Bedlakes, towels, uniforms for cooks and waiters, colorful shirts and pants fluttering on long clotheslines to dry and between the stone arches stand men and women, washing one piece of cloth by hand for an hour and all day hands in soapy water. A few leeches are taken from a leash where a woman carries them in a large basket on her head to a dugout. But not everything is clean in India. Generally tourist stomachs are simply not prepared for a country like India and no matter how hard you try to keep all hygienic rules and not get sick, nearly every Indian traveler will ultimately suffer from a diarrhea. Hygiene in India is undoubtedly a difficult topic for travelers. This not only concerns food, tap water or toilets, but also accommodations. In fact, you can stay in India very well and cheaply, especially in the touristically developed areas. Still, it does not hurt to pick up a few more rupees now and then to avoid stained bed sheets and bed bugs. Anyone who still has to look at the money, the photographer recommends for your own well-being always a silk sleeping bag or an in-bed sleeping bag to have in your luggage. One of the other classic situation as a traveler in India is the misunderstanding of the 'Yes'. When waving a rickshaw on the roadside and call the friendly driver a destination, then he nods, we negotiate to the mark for the transport price and then the traveler climb the rickshaw. But after a while one will see that he drives in a circle. Of course, the rickshaw driver does not know where the traveler want to go. Had he not nodded "- Yes, no problem" or an approving nod in India does not always mean "- Yes". Saying no to the Indians is not very special. If you ask in India for the way, so you will always get directions, no matter whether the questioned him really knows. Saying no is frowned upon in India and you are always friendly, helpful and obedient to guests. It is therefore always suitable to use a map with Indian script to aid in visualizing the goal.

Tourism in India

Over 10 million foreign tourists arrived in India in one of the recent years and Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh were the most popular states for tourists. Over the years, Indian tourism has grown considerably as is indicated by the arrival of foreign tourists. In India religious tourism takes place as well and in particular pilgrimage, can serve to strengthen faith and to demonstrate devotion and both of which are central tenets of many major religions. Religious tourists may seek destinations whose image encourages them to believe that they can strengthen the religious elements of their self-identity in a positive manner. Given this, the perceived image of a destination may be positively influenced by whether it conforms to the requirements of their religious self-identity or not. In Hindu religion and spirituality, the pilgrimage has great significance and members of the faith participate in the following types of pilgrimage and the pilgrimage to each sacred site has its own religious significance. In India the so-called 'Slum tourism' is also seen and it commonly known that tourists in Mumbai's Dharavi slum were motivated primarily by curiosity, as opposed to several competing push factors such as social comparison, entertainment, education or self-actualization. In addition, the study found that most slum residents were ambivalent about the tours, while the majority of tourists reported positive feelings during the tour, with interest and intrigue as the most commonly cited feelings and many tourists often come to the slums to put their life in perspective. Slum tourism has been the subject of much controversy, with critics labelling the voyeuristic aspects of slum tourism. Slum tourism is mainly performed in urban areas of developing countries, most often named after the type of areas that are visited and in India and various places are including Dharavi in Mumbai, as depicted in the movie 'Slumdog Millionaire'. While mainly light-skinned Indians live in the north, the melanids are primarily found in the south. Most mountain people in the Himalayan region, on the other hand, belong to the Mongolids. In addition, there are about 80 million Divasi, the indigenous people of India. In total, there are well over 500 different tribes the so-called 'Schedulded tribes' that for instance include the 'Naga', 'Mizo' and 'Bodo' or 'Assamese'. The majority of the population of India is very poor and lives from rice cultivation, agriculture and livestock. Far more than a quarter of the population does not have enough money to get enough food. The consequences are malnutrition and deficiency symptoms. Especially in rural areas, child labor is the order of the day because the income of many families is not enough to survive. Many farmers sell not only their land, but also their services. This so-called 'Debt bondage' is a major problem in the fight against poverty. The often unsustainable living conditions cause many rural people to migrate to the cities. For a long time, the metropolises of the country are no longer able to absorb the large refuge currents. One third of the inhabitants of the metropolises therefore live in slums.

Rituals in India

A ritual is a stereotyped sequence of activities involving gestures, words and objects as seen in the picture from India, performed in a sequestered place, and designed to influence preternatural entities or forces on behalf of the actors' goals and interests. Rituals may be seasonal, hallowing a culturally defined moment of change in the climatic cycle or the inauguration of an activity such as planting, harvesting, or moving from winter to summer pasture or they may be contingent, held in response to an individual or collective crisis. Contingent rituals may be further subdivided into life-crisis ceremonies, which are performed at birth, puberty, marriage, death and so on, to demarcate the passage from one phase to another in the individual's life-cycle, and rituals of affliction, which are performed to placate or exorcise preternatural beings or forces believed to have afflicted villagers with illness, bad luck, gynecological troubles, severe physical injuries and the like. Other classes of rituals include divinatory rituals such as ceremonies performed by political authorities to ensure the health and fertility of human beings, animals and crops in their territories as initiation into priesthoods devoted to certain deities, into religious associations or into secret societies and those accompanying the daily offering of food and libations to deities or ancestral spirits or both. Indian religions are practiced or were founded in the Indian subcontinent. They are sometimes classified as the dharmic religions, as they all feature 'Dharma', the specific law of reality and duties expected according to the religion. Hinduism is a synecdoche describing the similar philosophies of 'Vaishnavism', 'Shaivism' and related groups practiced or founded in the Indian subcontinent. Concepts most of them share in common include 'Karma', caste, reincarnation, mantras, 'Yantras' and 'Darsana'. Hinduism is the most ancient of still-active religions with origins perhaps as far back as prehistoric times. Hinduism is not a monolithic religion but a religious category containing dozens of separate philosophies amalgamated as 'Sanatana dharma', which is the name by which Hinduism has been known throughout history by its followers. Held along the banks of the holy Ganges River, this festival features cultural programs of classical music and dance. The highlight of the festival is on the last day, when more than a million clay lamps are floated down the river at dusk amidst chanting of 'Vedic' hymns as part of 'Dev Deepavali', which means the 'Diwali of the Gods' or 'Festival of Lights of the Gods' is the festival of 'Kartik Poornima' celebrated in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. It falls on the full moon of the Hindu month of 'Kartika' in November to December and takes place fifteen days after 'Diwali'. The steps of all the ghats on the riverfront of the Ganges River, from Ravidas Ghat at the southern end to Raj Ghat, are lit with more than a million earthen lamps the so-called 'Diyas' in honour of Ganga, the Ganges and its presiding goddess. The gods are believed to descend to Earth to bathe in the Ganges on this day. The festival is also observed as 'Tripura Purnima Snan'.

Traditional peculiarities in India

The tradition of lighting the lamps on the 'Dev Deepawali' festival day was first started at the Panchganga Ghat in 1985. During 'Dev Deepawali', houses are decorated with oil lamps and colored designs on their front doors. Firecrackers are burned at night, processions of decorated deities are taken out into the streets of Varanasi and oil lamps are set afloat on the river. The main rituals performed by devotees consist of 'Kartik snan', which is taking a holy bath in the Ganges during 'Kartika' and 'Deepdan', where an offering of oil lighted lamps to Ganga are made in the evening. The 'Ganga Aarti' is also performed in the evening. The 5 day festivals starts on 'Prabodhini Ekadashi' and concludes on 'Kartik Poornima'. Besides a religious role, the festival is also the occasion when the martyrs are remembered at the ghats by worshipping Ganga and lighting lamps watching the 'Aarti'. This is organized by Ganga Seva Nidhi when wreaths are placed at Amar Jawan Jyoti at Dashashwamedh Ghat and also at the adjoining Rajendra Prasad Ghat by officials of the Varanasi district. The festival is a major tourist attraction and the sight of a million lamps, which are both floating and fixed lighting the 'Ghats' and river in vivid colors have often been described by visitors and tourists as a breathtaking sight. On the night of the festival, thousands of devotees from the holy city of Varanasi, surrounding villages, and across the country gather in the evening on the 'Ghats' of the Ganges to watch the 'Aarti'. The local government makes several intensive arrangements to ensure order during the festival. From the 'Aarti' at the Dasaswamedh Ghat, all buildings and houses are lit with earthen lamps. Nearly 100,000 pilgrims visit the riverfront to watch the river aglitter with lamps. The 'Aarti' is performed by 21 young 'Brahmin' priests and 24 young women. The rituals involve chanting hymns, rhythmic drum beating, conch shell blowing and brazier burning. Boat rides in boats of all sizes along the riverfront in the evening are popular among tourists, when all the ghats are lit with lamps and 'Aarti' is being performed. As the photographer had gained knowledge about the vast majority of Indians engage in religious rituals on a daily basis. Most Hindus observe religious rituals at home and the observation of rituals vary greatly amongst regions, villages and individuals in India. Devout Hindus perform daily chores such as worshiping 'Puja', fire sacrifice called 'Yajna' at the dawn after bathing usually at a family shrine and typically includes lighting a lamp and offering foods before the images of deities, recitation from religious scripts like 'Vedas', 'Puranas' singing hymns in praise of gods and so on. A notable feature in religious ritual is the division between purity and pollution. Religious acts presuppose some degree of impurity or defilement for the practitioner, which must be overcome or neutralized, before or during ritual procedures. Purification, usually with water, is thus a typical feature of most religious action. Other characteristics include a belief in the efficacy of sacrifice and concept of merit, gained through the performance of charity or good works, that will accumulate over time and reduce sufferings in the next world.

Hindusim and prayer ceremonies

Hindu beliefs are vast and diverse and thus Hinduism is often referred to as a family of religions rather than a single religion. Within each religion in this family of religions, there are different theologies, practices and sacred texts and this diversity has led to an array of descriptions for Hinduism. There are 4 goals or aims of human life, namely 'Dharma', the so-called duties, 'Artha' which means rosperity, 'Kama' which means desires and passions, 'Moksha' which means liberation, freedom and salvation, 'Karma' which means action, intent and consequences, 'Samsara' which means the cycle of rebirth and the various 'Yogas', which are paths or practices to attain 'Moksha'. Hindu rituals include 'Puja', which means worship and recitations, meditation, family-oriented rites of passage, annual festivals and occasional pilgrimages. Some Hindus leave their social world and become 'Sanyasi' to achieve 'Moksha'. Hinduism prescribes the eternal duties, such as honesty, non-violence called 'Ahimsa', patience, self-restraint and compassion, among others. The four largest sects of Hinduism are the 'Vaishnavism', 'Shaivism', 'Shaktism' and 'Smartism'. There are many Hindu Festivals celebrated throughout the world but mainly in India and Nepal. These festivals include worship, offerings to deities, fasting, rituals, fairs, charity, celebrations, 'Puja' and so on. The festivals mainly celebrate events from Hindu mythology, changes in season, changes in Solar System. Different sects celebrate different festivals but festivals like 'Diwali', 'Holi', 'Shivratr'i, 'Raksha bandhan', 'Janamashtmi' and so on are celebrated by the majority of Hindus. 'Puja' or 'Poojan' is a prayer ritual performed by Hindus of devotional worship to one or more deities or to host and honor a guest or one to spiritually celebrate an event. Sometimes spelt phonetically as 'Pooja' or 'Poojah', it may honour or celebrate the presence of special guest and guests or their memories after they die. The word 'Puja' means reverence, honour, homage, adoration and worship. 'Puja' rituals are also held by Buddhists and Jains. In Hinduism it is done on a variety of occasions, frequency and settings and it may include daily 'Puja' done in the home, to occasional temple ceremonies and annual festivals. In other cases it is held to mark a few lifetime events such as birth of a baby or a wedding or to begin a new venture. The two main areas where 'Puja' is performed are in the home and at temples to mark certain stages of life, events or some festivals such as 'Durga puja' and 'Lakshmi puja'. Puja is not mandatory in Hinduism. It may be a routine daily affair for some Hindus, periodic ritual for some and rare for other Hindus. In some temples in India, various 'Pujas' may be performed daily at various times of the day in other temples, it may be occasional. 'Puja' varies according to the school of Hinduism and may vary by region, occasion, deity honored and steps followed. In formal 'Nigama ceremonies', a fire may be lit in honour of deity 'Agni', without an idol or image present. In contrast, in 'Agama ceremonies', an idol or icon or image of deity is present. In both ceremonies, a lamp or incense stick may be lit while a prayer is chanted or hymn is sung. 'Puja' is typically performed by a Hindu worshipper alone, though sometimes in presence of a priest, who is well versed in a complex ritual and hymns. In temples and priest-assisted event 'Puja', food, fruits and sweets may be included as sacrificial offerings to the ceremony or deity, which, after the prayers becomes 'Prasad', which means food shared by all gathered.

Desert life in India

In Rajasthan, India's westernmost state is the very essence of exotic India and to really get a sense of the desert state, nothing comes close to a camel safari. In India people have struggled to live in deserts and the surrounding semi-arid lands for millennia and camel herds have moved their flocks and herds to wherever grazing is available and oases have provided opportunities for a more settled way of life. The cultivation of semi-arid regions encourages erosion of soil and is one of the causes of increased desertification. Many trade routes have been forged across deserts in India, especially across the Thar Desert and traditionally were used by caravans of camels carrying salt, gold, ivory and other goods. The Thar is one of the most heavily populated desert areas in the world with the main occupations of its inhabitants being agrculture and animal husbandry. Agriculture is not a dependable proposition in this area because after the rainy season, at least one third of crops fail. Animal husbandry, trees and grasses, intercropped with vegetables or fruit trees, is the most viable model for arid regions. The Thar Desert provides recreational value in terms of desert festivals organized every year. Rajasthan desert festivals are celebrated with great zest and zeal. This festival is held once a year during winters. Dressed in brilliantly hued costumes, the people of the desert dance and sing haunting ballads of valor, romance and tragedy. The fair has snake charmers, puppeteers, acrobats and folk performers. Camels, of course, play a starring role in this festival, where the rich and colorful folk culture of Rajasthan can be seen. These camels are an integral part of the desert life and the camel events during the 'Desert festival' confirm this fact and special efforts go into dressing the animal for entering the competition of the best-dressed camel. Other interesting competitions on the fringes are the moustache and turban tying competitions, which not only demonstrate tradition but also inspire its preservation. Both the turban and the moustache have been centuries old symbols of honor in Rajasthan. Evenings are meant for the main shows of music and dance. Continuing till late into the night, the number of spectators swells up each night and the grand finale, on the night of a full moon, takes place by sand dunes. The vast terrain of the Thar Desert is characterized by barren lands, sand dunes and sparse vegetation. The temperatures in this region can be quite extreme, with temperatures soaring during the day and dropping sharply during the night. As a result of these harsh conditions, the local wildlife and the people living in the area have adapted to survive in these deserts. Apart from the Thar Desert, other important deserts in India are the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, the Luni Desert in Rajasthan and the Nallamala Hills in Andhra Pradesh. The Rann of Kutch is the largest wetland in India and home to many unique species of birds and animals. The Luni Desert is located in the westernmost part of India and is known for its extreme temperatures. The Nallamala Hills is a mountain range in southern India with a few desert patches scattered across the area. The feature of the Indian deserts that makes them particularly interesting is the wide range of activities that visitors may enjoy during their trip. From desert safaris to camping and boating, these activities offer exciting experiences. There are local tribes that often provide insights into the culture and way of life of the region. Apart from these activities, tourists can also explore the nearby forts, palaces and religious sites for a unique glimpse into India's past. Deserts in India offer an unforgettable experience that few other places in the world can match. The spectacular landscapes, unique wildlife and captivating cultural experiences make the country's deserts an important destination for tourists and locals alike. So this arid desert landscape is home to 1.2 million people and despite the harsh conditions in one of the driest places on Earth challenge the people living in the Thar Desert, yet they continue to thrive.

Desert tribes in Rajasthan

With a long, rich history, those living in the Thar Desert in Rajasthan have many cultural customs and traditions that have been passed on for generations and many of their practices and beliefs are rooted in ancient Hindu mythology and the 'Bishnoi' are particularly well-known for their reverence of trees. They believe they are connected to nature and have made it their mission to preserve it, even in the face of harsh living conditions and the people of this desert have endured and adapted to their environment for centuries and this has fostered a strong sense of community. Although their lives are challenging, they are humbled and thankful for what they have and the simple, but resilient way of life described by the people is inspiring and an example of the strength and will to survive in the most challenging of conditions. Deserts in India form an important part of the country's culture and make up approximately 12.3 percent of its land area. India's desert region is the largest in the world, making up a significant part of the country's total landmass. Rajasthan is a magical land with a plethora of diverse culture, which can be seen in its endless array of tribes. Among these, the desert tribes of Rajasthan are unique in their own way. The desert tribes of Rajasthan are mainly concentrated around the Thar Desert and these tribes are known for their rich traditions, language and culture that are unique to the arid desert land. The majority of those living in this desert belong to the 'Bishnoi' community. Believing in a strict code of conduct that emphasizes conservation and protection of the environment, the 'Bishnoi' provide a unique, spiritual quality to life in the desert. Their philosophy of 'All is one' guides how they interact with the environment and how they view their own well-being and this view extends even to the care and respect shown to wildlife and the 'Bishnoi' not only tend to their own flocks but also feed and water wandering wild animals and those living in the Thar Desert rely on the limited resources available to them. Despite a lack of water, sparse vegetation and hot days, the people have traditionally found ways to survive and even prosper and many depend on animal herding and farming while some have adopted alternative means of income such as jewelry-making or creating leather goods. But more often than not, these activities are secondary to taking care of the livestock, which is the primary source of sustenance. As written above, one of the most well-known desert tribes is the 'Bishnoi', who follow the principles of nonviolence and worship nature and they are mainly concentrated in western Rajasthan and practice sustainable agricultural methods. Another well-known desert tribe is the 'Rabari', whose culture centers around livestock herding and weaving and they live mainly in the southeastern parts of this desert and are well-known for their intricate jewelry designs. The 'Raika' are another desert tribe, who live mainly in the northern part of this desert, where they practice animal husbandry and are well-known for their unique fabric and clothing styles. The 'Gadia Lohar' are also a famous desert tribe, who are known for their carpentry skills and they live mainly in the south-eastern parts of the this desert and are well-known for their intricate wooden furniture designs. The 'Bhils' are another well-known desert tribe, who live in the central and eastern parts of this desert and they are mainly agriculturalists and hunt for their livelihood and they are known for their folk music and dance. The 'Sahariyas' are the last of the desert tribes in Rajasthan and they live mainly in the south-western parts of the desert and are renowned for their hunting skills and they are also well-known for their distinct religious practices and beliefs. The various desert tribes of Rajasthan comprise of an incredibly unique and rich culture that is still alive and thriving in the arid desert land and these tribes have continued to enrich Rajasthan with their culture and customs even after centuries and continue to fascinate people from around the world.

An incredibly diverse country

India is a country full of culture, history, and traditions. It is also an incredibly diverse country, with a vast array of languages, religions and customs. For travelers, this means that there is something to explore and experience no matter where you go. From the bustling cities to the serene countryside, India offers something for everyone. When you travel to India, it is important to remember that it is a conservative country, and dressing modestly is important. Women should avoid wearing shorts, skirts and tank tops and men should avoid wearing shorts and sleeveless shirts. Additionally, it is important to remember that India is a largely vegetarian country, so if you plan on eating out, be sure to check the menu before ordering. The main attraction in India is the Taj Mahal, one of the most iconic monuments in the world. Located in the city of Agra, this stunning white marble mausoleum was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is a must-see for anyone visiting India. When visiting India, it is also important to take in the rich history and culture that the country has to offer. From the ancient ruins of the Indus Valley Civilization to the bustling cities of Mumbai and Delhi, there is something to explore and discover around every corner. Be sure to take in the sights and sounds of India's many cities, towns and villages. India is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. From the palm-fringed beaches of Goa to the tranquil shores of Kerala, there are plenty of places to relax and enjoy the sunshine. If you are looking for something a bit more adventurous, India also offers some of the best trekking and mountain climbing opportunities in the world. No matter what kind of traveler you are, India has something to offer. Whether you are looking for a cultural experience, a chance to relax on the beach or a thrilling adventure in the mountains, India has something for everyone.

Cultural India in photos

During his first vacation in India, he wanted to visit the famous sights. The Red Fort, Humayun's tomb and Chandni Chowk in Delhi, the Taj Mahal in Agra and the barren desert of Rajasthan were among his list. He had his camera always at hand to hold everything. In India there is a large number of Hindus as mentioned above and spirituality is, of course, integrated into everyday life and faith is practiced practically and pragmatically. So even with important rituals, water and food are sold loudly or air is fanned out for a few rupees. Indians have an appropriate approach, because water, food or cooling during long rituals is very important. Boasting cultural India includes not only the famous 'Golden Triangle' DelhiAgraJaipur, one of the most popular tourist routes in India, but also a fascinating variety of further highlights from the camelquiting Thar Desert to the River of Ganges in Varanasi and pilgrim places. Spread over the entire region, a wealth of magnificent historical and religious buildings awaits one to be explored in the photos by the photographer. Plunge into the hustle and bustle of a colorful India with issues such as environmental problems and the situation of women. The market district of Pahar Ganj is located right next to New Delhi Railway Station. This is probably the main reason why it is so popular with tourists. One gets away quickly, and this is in a city of 1.2 million residents and extremely predatory rickshaw drivers a huge plus. It also offers affordable accommodation, a good tourist infrastructure with souvenir shops and tour operators, and also reasonably short ways to sightseeing in the more interesting parts of 'Dilli'. And the bustling, hyperactive life in Pahat Ganj is also not without charm. The main street, the 'Main Bazar', is lined with countless colorfully decorated shops and narrow, narrow footpaths lead into a still very busy backside of the city. However, the whole area suffers from large-scale reconstruction measures, which have the Main Bazar partially transformed into a rubble-covered post-apocalyptic desert landscape. During the daily monsoon rains, the terrain turns into an abundance of marshy mud tracks, with occasional rubble heaps for better orientation. Apparently, in the style of socialist planned economy, all the facades are renewed at the same time, that is, first hammered away labor and noise-intensive and then maybe rebuilt. Delhiis essentially a Muslim settlement, as the name suggests. it is Persian and means 'Threshold', fitting for the port of entry of the Islam to India. Of the rich Muslim heritage, however, nothing is seen in Pahar Ganj, you have to make an effort to Old Delhi. The ride there grew for the photographer to a bizarre mixture of nightmare, ghost train ride and near-death experience, as he was with himself through the at best mediocre chaotic traffic of Old Delhi piloted. He used the stay in Old Delhi for an extensive visit of the district around the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. This Moule-era structure is located in the middle of the historic Delhi and, along with the stylistically similar Lal Qila, the Red Fort, is considered iconic for the city. The mosque, built of red sandstone and white marble on a platform, consists of a large courtyard, which is filled 5 times each Friday with up to a quarter of worshipers, a portico running around it, which is pierced on three sides by gates and finally on the East side of a multi-lane hall for the foreman and outstanding community members. In addition, the India photographs provides background information and comprehensive stories also for editors and editorial use.

To the top