Tungnath. Even in the foothills the landscape is rugged and dramatic. In all directions hills and peaks rise up into the distance as far as the eye can see. On this unusual evening the sun broke through the clouds to create one the longest and most beautiful sunsets i’ve ever witnessed. This image is a combination of several photographs taken successively at different exposures in order to capture the huge latitude between the bright sun and dark cloud...
Beni’s Grandson. This little lad is a total ball of energy and excitement. Here is the very first moment we met. His shy curiosity lasted a brief moment before I was firmly a member of the family...
Kedarnarth. This spectacular view over the village of Triyuginarayan briefly revealed itself from behind the cloud. Kedarnath mountain is said to be the abode of the Hindu god of destruction, Shiva. It’s a pilgrimage destination and sustains many of the villagers who work as porters or priests...
The Lord of Three Aeons. The village hugs the mountain side, surrounded by forest. Storms nearly always come in the late afternoon bringing gusty high winds that knock out power and phone lines...
Beni. Beni is an unassuming priest who works for alms at the local temple, which contains a perpetual fire that is said to have burned continuously for the last 3 aeons. Here he’s playing with his grandson on the roof of their terrace...
Tungnath Temple. At 3460m this is the highest Shiva temple in the world. During winter the gods are placed further down the mountain to protect them from the harsh weather. The temple was stood in stillness amid the sunset glorious this evening. Down below preparations and pilgrims were in full swing as the gods were due to be returned in ceremonious celebrations the following day...
Moonlit early morning mountainscape. This is the view 4000m high from summit of Tungnath. The sky is clearest here in the pre-dawn half-light. The 4 peaks of Chocumba stand central with a few stars keeping vigil above...
Grandma. In these parts, everyone is family. Elders, particularly females, are always referred to as ‘grandma’ and never by their name, even when there is no actual family connection...
I could lift this much! ‘I used to be so strong I could lift this much! I used to collect all the fodder and firewood.’ Women do all the household and farming chores, including bi-daily treks up the hill side to collect supplies. She has worked her whole life...
Grandma Gangaram Ji. From her favourite spot on the bare mud floor she spends hours in quiet stillness. She’s lost most of her hearing but still works hard on her share of village life chores. Her husband is a master craftsman and the last specialist in the traditional Likhai woodcarving. The window she gazes through here is an intricate, ornate work of art...
God-men. Sadhu,
‘God-men’. This pair are wandering religious travellers with no
permanent base. Their turbans, bare feet and few possessions are a sign
of dedication. ..
Neighbour. This
women stands in front of her drying grass on the roof of her 3 story
complex, which likely houses several families. This women really wanted
to join in the commotion on our host families balcony, although she
seems a little unsure of what to do now that she’s getting her
requested photograph...
Joy. Sometimes it’s the small, shared things in life
that bring the most happiness. This photograph was taken immediately
after I photographed their friend, Neighbour. Her
enthusiasm followed by photo-shyness caused much amusement. Homes are
all packed close together in this tight-knit community. Family, friends
and kids often mingle and chat across rooftops during the day...
Auspiciousness. The
red stripe on her forehead is a sign of auspiciousness and marriage.
Her husband, along with thousands of others, was caught up in Kedarnath
disaster of 2013. Luckily he survived, but only after many days stranded
without food...
