Passionate Photographers
Daily Passionate Photography Thoughts – Evening at the Beach and Story of Sree Ramajayam
Daily Passionate Photography Thoughts – Day 2 – Dt 30 May 2020 – Evening at the Beach and Story of Sree Ramajayam
An evening at the beach is a fantasy and joyous thing to do for many.
Let me share the quote of McLachlan and Erasmus (1983)
” What sight is more beautiful than a high energy beach facing lines of rolling white breakers? What battle ground is more ferocious than where waves and sand meet? What environment could be more exciting to study than this sandy interface below land and sea? And yet how much do we know about sandy beaches?”
Beaches in Kerala, particularly in our region are beautiful with rough seas and wild waves. Along with rain, dark cloud, wind, lighting and thunder, the beauty is beyond one can explain.
Today’s presentation is from a set of photos taken during one of my holidays in July 2007. My father was with us and was writing out Sree Ramajayam in Malayalam and enjoying the way, the waves washed them out, each time he wrote it!. (Unfortunately, 10 years later, it was at the same place we immersed his ashes as part of the rituals associated as per our custom).
For those who wish to know, the Story of writing Sree Ramajayam take us to the epic Ramayana and if interested, a weekend challenge for you to attempt.
Faced with the dilemma of how to cross the ocean to Lanka, where his kidnapped wife Sita is held captive by the demon king Ravana, Rama (an Avatar of Vishnu) performs a penance (tapasya) to Varuna, the Lord of Oceans, fasting and meditating in perfect dhyana for three days and three nights. Varuna does not respond, and Rama arises on the fourth morning, enraged by the God’s arrogance. With his bow and arrow, he angrily begins attacking the oceans with celestial weapons – burning up the waters and killing its life and creatures. The Vanaras (Monkeys) are dazzled and fearful at witnessing the enraged Rama demolish the oceans, and his brother, Lakshmana, prays to calm Rama’s mind. Just as Rama invokes the brahmastra, considered the most powerful weapon capable of destroying all creation, Varuna arises out of the oceans. He bows to Rama, explaining that he himself was at a loss to answer Rama’s question. Begging him not to destroy the oceans with the missile, he suggests that Rama re-direct the weapon at a demonic race that lives in the heart of the ocean. Rama’s arrows destroys the demons, and establishes a purer, liberated environment there. Varuna promises that he would keep the oceans still for all of Rama’s army to pass, and Nala constructs a bridge (Rama’s Bridge) across to Lanka. Rama justifies his angry assault on the oceans as he followed the correct process of petitioning and worshipping Varuna, but obtaining the result by force for the greater good.
It is thus believed that when someone writes Sree Ramajayam on the sand at the seashore, the sea (i.e. Varuna) get intimidated and tries to clean it as soon as possible.
Try it wherever you are – write Sree Rama Jayam in any language, a little further than where you expect the waves normally come, and watch the fun of it being cleansed by the waves.
See the video of it: https://clicksandwrites.wordpress.com/2008/03/07/story-of-fight-between-sree-rama-and-varuna/
Dancing temple elephant of Kukke Subramanya
Dancing temple elephant of Kukke Subramanya
The most interesting part of my summer journey. The forest road towards the temple was extremely scenic and quite and it was raining while we drove towards the temple. Reaching there, and doing our routine prayers, we found that it was time for arathi and special pooja. So, with all the devotees we waited patiently and did not give much attention to the little temple elephant stationed inside. As soon as the temple bell rang, I noticed some changes in the elephant and then it became more prominent as the intensity of the ringing increased. As it was dancing, it held on to the bell tied on its neck and was ringing it to the tune of the music played by the musicians
Open call for Vantage Point Sharjah 8
Sharjah Art Foundation invites photographers to submit their work for Vantage Point Sharjah 8 (VPS8), the Foundation’s annual initiative dedicated to the practice of photography.
The open call welcomes submissions from both local and international photographers. Applicants are free to choose their own theme and artistic approach.
Photographs selected for VPS8 will be presented in an upcoming exhibition at Sharjah Art Foundation’s Al Mureijah Art Spaces.
Read more at: Sharjah Art Foundation Page
Sharjah Art Foundation welcomes submissions for Vantage Point Sharjah 8 (VPS8), an annual initiative dedicated to the practice of photography. Both local and international photographers are invited to apply, and applicants are free to choose their own theme and artistic approach. The photographs selected for VPS8 will be presented in an upcoming exhibition at the Foundation’s Al Mureijah Art Spaces.
The application deadline is 16 May 2020 at 11:00 pm.
Please submit the application form and no more than six digital photographs in 300 dpi resolution. Applications with more than six images will not be considered.
Make sure to provide a short description of your work(s) in your application, including the concept or theme behind your work(s), the location and date of each photograph, and the medium used. You should also submit a brief biography with a one- or two-sentence overview of your photography practice; a list of previous solo or group exhibitions, residencies and awards (if any); and information about related educational and/or professional experience.
Materials can be submitted via email to photo@sharjahart.org
Please click here to download the application form.
Sree Koodalmanikyam Ulsavam 2020 – Teaser 2
Sree Koodalmanikyam Ulsavam 2020 – will be held from 4-14 May, 2020 – Teaser 2 Block your calendar Stay tuned….More updates to follow.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi
A must visit place when you are in Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is a dream that was diligently made to a reality.
If you happen to be interested in art, history and photography and carrying a camera with you, I am sure, you will never finish clicking your photos. So many beautiful angles… I do not remember how many times, by now, I took my friends, family and official guests. I still fall in love capturing its beauty through my lenses and delay their return each time.
The Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi
A visit to Abu Dhabi is not complete now if you do not visit The Louvre Museum.
Do take time out to bring your friends and family without fail when they are in Abu Dhabi.
Sharjah Vantage Point 6: “Performance” opens
Sharjah Vantage Point 6 opens.
Vantage Point Sharjah 6 (VPS6) is the sixth iteration of Sharjah Art Foundation’s annual initiative supporting the practice of photography within the GCC. Open call was extended to submit photographs from all nationalities who reside in the UAE and Other GCC Countries on the theme of “𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘”.
The opening was attended by distinguished guests, artists, photographers and public.
Vantage Point 6: Performance is organised by Sharjah Art Foundation. President and Director of Sharjah Art Foundation Hoor Al Qasimi is a practising curator and artist, as well as Director of the Sharjah Biennial.
A large number of applicants, with a variety of professional backgrounds, skill sets and interests, responded to the call for Vantage Point Sharjah 6. The exhibition presents a wide-ranging selection of photography, which uniquely expands upon the theme and speaks to the development of a vibrant community.
It is the 2nd time my clicks are getting selected to this prestigious international exhibition organised by Sharjah Art, under the patronage of the ruling family of Sharjah.
If you are visiting Sharjah during this period, welcome to attend.
𝗘𝘅𝗵𝗶𝗯𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀: 𝟭𝟰 𝗝𝘂𝗹—𝟴 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟭𝟴
𝗩𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗲:𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝟭 & 𝟮 𝗔𝗹 𝗠𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗶𝗷𝗮𝗵 𝗦𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗲 Sharjah
The photos, artists and myself:
1967, Kerala, India
Lives and works in Abu Dhabi
Photos and narration:
An epic through the eyes
2017
Dr. Haripriya Nambudiri (as lady character Syrandhri)
Digital print/Dimensions 47 x 30 cm
Narrating an epic through the eyes
2017
In the photo: From left Margi Rantakaran (on Maddalam), Kalamandalam Jishnu Ravi ( as lady character Sudeshana), Kalamandalam Dr. Haripriya Nambudiri (as lady character Syrandhri), Kottakal Madhu (first singer at back), Kalamandalam Vishnu (second singer at back).
Digital print / Dimensions 40 x 30 cm
Ramesh Menon’s photographs depict the traditional art form Kathakali, which is always a ‘feast for the eyes’ as it enthralls audiences with music, action, emotional impact and literary finesse. These photos capture a moment in the performance of the play Keechakavadam, jointly organised by the India Social and Cultural Centre, Kerala Social Centre, Manirang and Sakthi Theatres in Abu Dhabi. Renowned artists, musicians and percussionists added their experience and skills to complete this tauryatrika [triple symphony] experience. Dr Haripriya Nambudiri, a full-time professional female artiste—a rarity in this art form—played the character of Syrandhri.
Menon tries his best to create a family of positive and quality-minded people. Bringing creativity into life and never giving up are the two wheels of his life cycle, which has been revolving and evolving a great deal and determined to continue too. He writes a blog clicksandwrites.com and takes small steps towards his objectives to encourage talent and serve the community around. He believes that all great achievements and success in life, as well as all changes for the better, have one powerful characteristic in common: The First Step. ‘Take the first step, and the journey has a way of taking care of itself.’ Menon is an active participant in various Have Your Say programmes within the UAE and elsewhere. This participation has resulted in his winning several prestigious awards over the last few years.
Menon currently works as Communications Coordinator with Total in Abu Dhabi
Time to train and an opportunity to explore Abu Dhabi
As I move on to day 2 of my training schedule for the forthcoming ADNOC Abu Dhabi International Marathon 2018, it is turning out to be interesting in several ways. 153 days to the event, it is an opportunity to explore Abu Dhabi. I know it will not be easy and hence taking it systematically as much as possible from all aspects.
For morning practice I opted for the Abu Dhabi Heritage park area as it has some small climbs and generally quite. In the evening, I opted to utilize the cycling track on the Salam Street. The track is really nice to do an extended ride and connect to Abu Dhabi Corniche easily.
The weather now is hot and humid and hence taking it lightly, but steadily.
How can I end my daily post without sharing some photos. It indeed is an opportunity to explore Abu Dhabi.
ClicksandWrites 
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