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In this archive story we are exploring the Colorful destination of India with a visit to the city of Udaipur.
Read the background story of this archive photo by the photographer. |
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Take a step back from the hustle of Udaipur, the city still has its colorful magic, not just in its marvellous palaces and monuments, but in its matchless setting, the tranquillity of boat rides on the lake, the bustle of its ancient bazaars, its lively arts scene and colorful 'Sarees' and its endless tempting shops and some lovely countryside to explore and travel on wheels, feet or horseback. |
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Colorful India
India's rich and multi-layered cultures are dominated by religious and spiritual themes. While it is a mistake to assume that there is a single unified Indian culture, there certainly are unifying themes that link the various cultures. India's cultural heritage is expressed through its myriad of languages in which much great literature and poetry has been written, but also through its colors because India is indeed a colorful destination.
Why are colors important in India?
In Indian culture, color has both political and religious significance and is used in festivals and ceremonies. Saffron, which conveys sanctity, is the most sacred color and can be found on the robes warn by Hindu monks. Blue, which is associated with Lord Krishna, means immortality, bravery and determination. |
India is a country full of vibrant colors, culture and customs
From the bright saris of women to the vibrant hues of the Taj Mahal, India is a country that is truly alive with color. The bright colors of India are often seen in the clothing worn by its people. Indian women often wear brightly colored saris with intricate embroidery. Men also wear brightly colored clothing, often in the form of 'Kurtas' and 'Dhotis'. These traditional Indian garments are usually made out of silk and are usually in shades of red, blue, green, yellow and orange.
Vibrant colors of India
The vibrant colors of India can also be seen in its art. Indian art is full of bright colors and intricate designs. Traditional Indian art forms, such as 'Madhubani' painting, 'Kalamkari' and 'Warli', are known for their bright colors and intricate designs. The vibrant colors of India can also be seen in its cuisine. Indian food is known for its bright colors, flavors and spices and Indian dishes are often cooked with a rainbow of spices and herbs, which gives the food its vibrant hue. Indian food is often served in colorful 'Thalis' or platters, which are decorated with colorful flowers and leaves.
"The vibrant colors of India can also be seen in its festivals. India is home to many colorful festivals, such as 'Diwali', 'Holi' and 'Navratri'. During these festivals, people dress in bright colors and celebrate with dances, music and feasts. India is a vibrant country full of color and culture. From its clothing to its architecture, art and cuisine, India is a country alive with color"
Two main categories of colors
India is a country with a rich and diverse culture and this is reflected in the colors that are used throughout the country. Colors are an integral part of Indian culture and have a significance in many aspects of life and they are used in art, clothing, celebrations, religious ceremonies and even in the food. Colors are an important part of Indian culture and are used in a variety of ways. They are used to represent different meanings and to add beauty to life. Whether it is for a wedding, religious ceremony or just to add a splash of color to your day, colors in India are sure to make an impact.
The colors of India can be divided into two main categories, which are the hot colors and the cool colors. Hot colors are typically associated with warmth and energy and they include red, yellow and orange. These colors are often used to represent courage and enthusiasm. Cool colors, on the other hand, are associated with tranquility and peace. These colors include blues, greens and purples.
Red color in India
Red is perhaps the most popular color in India. It is associated with good luck, fortune and prosperity. It is also the color of love and passion. Red is often used in weddings and other important celebrations and it is also used in religious ceremonies.
Yellow color in India
Yellow is another popular color in India. It is associated with joy, happiness and good fortune. It is often used in Hindu festivals and other celebrations.
Orange color in India
Orange is another hot color in India. It is associated with royalty and is often used to decorate palaces and temples. It is also the traditional color of the Hindu god Vishnu.
Blue color in India
Blue is a cool color in India. It is associated with calmness and peace and is often used in meditation and yoga. It is also a favorite color for 'Sarees' and other traditional Indian clothing.
Green color in India
Green is another cool color in India. It is associated with growth and new beginnings. It is often used in decorations for festivals and is also the traditional color of Islam.
Purple color in India
Purple is the last of the cool colors in India. It is associated with luxury and spirituality. It is often used in religious ceremonies and is also the traditional color of weddings.
Culture with colors
The festival of color called 'Holi' is a major festival celebrated mainly in North, East and Western India. On the first day, people go to temples and light bonfires, but on the second, it is a waterfight combined with showers of colored powder. This is not a spectator sport, as a visible foreigner, you are a magnet for attention, so you will either have to barricade yourself inside, or put on your most disposable clothes and join the fray. Celebrations are fewer in South India, though private celebrations occur among North Indian communities residing in major South Indian cities. Despite the weakening of the caste system, India remains a fairly stratified society. Indians care about a person's background and position in society as is the case elsewhere in the world. This attitude, when combined with the legacy of colonial rule, results in some rather interesting, if unfortunate consequences. Paler skin is deemed desirable but there is no discrimination on the basis of color.
Udaipur a romantic city in India
Udaipur in which city the above portrait was taken is also known as the 'City of Lakes' and is the crown jewel of the state of Rajasthan. It is surrounded by the beautiful Aravalli Hills in all directions, making this city as lovely as it is. This 'Venice of the East' has an abundance of natural beauty, mesmerising temples and breathtaking architecture which makes it a must-visit destination in India. A boat ride through the serene waters of Lake Pichola will be enough to prove to you why Udaipur is the pride of Rajasthan.
Located in a valley and surrounded by four lakes, Udaipur has natural offerings with a grandeur multiplied by human effort, to make it one of the most enchanting and memorable tourist destinations. It justifies all names ever offered to its charm from 'Jewel of Mewar' to 'Venice of the East'. And though the entire city's architecture is flattering, the Lake Palace hotel is something that offers the city a visual definition. The revered Nathdwara temple is about 60 kilometers from Udaipur.
Udaipur, the city of lakes in India
As a photographer and traveler in India there was a very exotic travel athmosphere in Udaipur. Beside shimmering Lake Pichola, with the ochre and purple ridges of the wooded Aravalli Hills stretching away in every direction, Udaipur has a romance of setting unmatched in Rajasthan and arguably in all India. Fantastical palaces, temples, 'Havelis' and countless narrow, crooked, colorful streets add the human counterpoint to the city's natural charms. Udaipur with its City Palace is named as 'The most romantic spot on the continent of India' was first applied in 1829 by Colonel James Tod, from the East India Company in the region.
Today, the romance is wearing ever so slightly thin as Udaipur strains to exploit it for tourist rupees. In the parts of the city nearest the lake, almost every building is a hotel, shop, restaurant or all three rolled into one. Ever-taller hotels compete for the best view, too many mediocre restaurants serve up near-identical menus and noisy, dirty traffic clogs some of the streets that were made for people and donkeys.
"Udaipur was founded in 1568 by Maharana Udai Singh II following the final sacking of Chittorgarh by the Mughal emperor Akbar"
Art and theatre flourish
This new capital of Mewar had a much less vulnerable location than Chittorgarh. Mewar still had to contend with repeated invasions by the Mughals and, later, the Marathas, until British intervention in the early nineteenth century. This resulted in a treaty that protected Udaipur from invaders while allowing Mewar's rulers to remain effectively all-powerful in internal affairs. The ex-royal family remains influential and in recent decades has been the driving force behind the rise of Udaipur as a tourist destination. Art and theatre flourish amongst the bustling cities of the country, against the backdrop of the ever expanding western influences.
Vibrant processions are seen going on everywhere, especially during festivals. 'Ganesh Chaturthi' processions in Mumbai, 'Dusshera' in Mysore and so on are some important processions which have to be seen. Along with these, marriage and religious processions are also seen on the roads. You can see people dance, play music and drums, play with colors and so on.
See this video about the colorful India made by Incredible India.
"- As a travel photographer, I have had the privilege of exploring the vibrant and diverse country of India. From bustling cities to serene mountain towns, every place I visited had its own unique charm and offered endless opportunities for capturing stunning photographs. One of the first things that struck me about India was the sheer energy and chaos of its cities. Walking through the streets of Delhi or Mumbai, I was immediately bombarded with a riot of colors, sounds and smells. The crowded markets, busy streets and lively people made for an exciting and challenging backdrop for my photography. It took some time to adjust to the fast-paced lifestyle and constant movement, but once I did, I was able to capture some truly dynamic photographs", the Photographer says.
"- But India is not just about its cities. The country is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes I have ever seen. From the majestic history of Rajasthan to the modern metropolis of Mumbai, each region has its own natural beauty waiting to be captured through my lens. It was during my travels to these remote and offbeat locations that I truly fell in love with the country. However, being a travel photographer in India also comes with its own set of challenges. The country's vastness and diverse cultures mean that every location requires a different approach to photography. From the clothing I wore to the way I interacted with the locals, I had to be mindful and respectful of the different customs and traditions of each place", the Photographer says again.
Read also: City Palace Rd portraiture
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India is a land full of stories. On every street, on every corner and in the many places in India, life is rushing by you as a photographer with millions of stories to be told. In the archive story above, you hopefully had a readable insight in the story that was behind the photo of an Indian woman in Udaipur. On this website of Kristian Bertel | Photography you can find numerous travel pictures from the photographer. Stories and moments that tell the travel stories of how the photographer captured the specific scene that you see in the picture. The photographer's images have a story behind them, images that all are taken from around India throughout his photo journeys. The archive stories delve into Kristian's personal archive to reveal never-before-seen, including portraits and landscapes beautifully produced snapshots from various travel assignments. The archive is so-far organized into photo stories, this one included, each brought to life by narrative text and full-color photos. Together, these fascinating stories tell a story about the life in India. India, the motherland to many people around the world, a land of unforgetable travel moments. The archive takes viewers on a spectacular visual journey through some of the most stunning photographs to be found in the photographer's archive collection. The photographer culled the images to reflect the many variations on the universal theme of beauty and everyday life in India. By adding these back stories the photographer's work might immensely enhanced the understanding of the photographs.
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