Sholavandhan Mariamman Festival
Fire pots and Music
June, 2023
Sholavandhan, is a sleepy little village on the banks of the River Vaigai, near my home town of Madurai in Tamilnadu state. It is known for its fertile land and acres of green fields. It has a long history going back 1000s of years.
Every June, the village comes alive to the sights and sounds of Janakai Mariamman Festival. This festival goes on for 17 days and on the 8th day of the festival, men and women carry fire pots to the temple, where they fill the fire pit on which the devotees walk the next day.
I was in Madurai for a wedding in the family at that time. It was the middle of a really hot summer and a local blogger & photographer, Rexstane Nissi, pulled me along for this festival.
I took my Sony A7R and a Samyang 135mm f2.0 and we landed in Sholavandhan. It was a challenge shooting at close quarters with a long focal length and it was manual as well! But it was a spectacular experience.
It was such an amazing experience to capture and document a part of my culture in such a vivid manner. I am truly lucky to call myself a photographer!
Hope you liked these images! Do share this across your network with people who might enjoy these images. Thanks for dropping by!
Beautiful images.
Vivid captures Mr.Rajeev! My eyes light up when you mentioned ஊர்த்திருவிழா😍… Loved watching Suzhal-2 and your images transported me to that feel & setting!