Mysteries, madness, contradictions & stunning vistas - in 52 weeks
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Ek Chutki Sindoor
The very mention of the word Sindoor (or kumkum as it is known in some parts) is enough to conjure images of
most dramatic scenes that Indian cinema or television has ever produced.
Bollywood drama aside, the use of Sindoor to denote a woman's married status has been prevalent on the Indian subcontinent for more than 5,000 years. It finds mention in the Mahabharata, in the Puranas and countless ancient texts. Even today, Hindu women across the world, wear their Sindoor with pride - as can be seen in this image taken in rural Bihar.
These women had gathered in the house of a local social worker for a discussion cum training session on family planning methods. All of them were young mothers, the oldest not even 25 - but each one was trying to out do the other when it came to displaying the vermillion on their foreheads.
Somethings in India change in the blink of an eye. Some never do..
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Image Details:
Camera: Canon EOS 350D Digital
Aperture: f/5.6
Shutter Speed: 1/25 sec
Focal Length: 86 mm
ISO Speed: ISO 800
Exposure : Manual
