The Great Night of Shiva: Caught in the Fire, 2020

Melattingal SIVA Temple, Trivandrum, Kerala, India

The smell of kerosene, the intense heat and the swirl of embers embraces the senses during the night of Shiva’s Dance. In India, the annual Maha Shivratri Festival celebrates the honor of Lord Shiva who is believed to be the god that creates, transforms and protects the universe. On the night of Shivratri, he comes back to perform a heavenly dance. It is the time where humans overcome darkness and ignorance. Rituals play an important role in Indian life and gods are venerated from sunup till sundown. Exemplifying this is the Shivratri Festival, where all-night vigils occur. Fire plays an integral part of Indian rituals and holds a connection to the gods. In this image, worshippers are encircled by flames yet appear fearless as they walk through flying embers.

Archival Pigment Print

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