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In this archive story we are meeting a group of Children in India in the town of Mandawa.
Read the background story of this archive photo by the photographer. |
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For foreign photographers, the streets of India offer an endless array of joyful moments to capture. Children in India, with their boundless energy, unfiltered emotions and infectious joy, provide a rich and rewarding subject for any photographer. Through their lenses, photographers can share the spirit and resilience of these young individuals, creating images that resonate with viewers around the world. |
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Children in India
India is a land of contrasts and vibrant cultures, where the streets are alive with energy and color. For foreign photographers, capturing the essence of India often means focusing on its most dynamic and expressive inhabitants – the children. From the narrow alleys of old Delhi to the sandy expanses of Rajasthan, the joyful moments of children in India provide a captivating subject that is both heartwarming and inspiring.
What causes laughter?
Laughter is a response to certain external or internal stimuli. Laughter can arise from such activities as being tickled or from humorous stories or thoughts. Most commonly, it is considered an auditory expression of a number of positive emotional states, such as joy, mirth, happiness, relief and so on. On some occasions, however, it may be caused by contrary emotional states such as embarrassment, surprise or confusion such as nervous laughter or courtesy laugh. Age, gender, education, language and culture are all indicators as to whether a person will experience laughter in a given situation. |
The unscripted magic of childhood
One of the most enchanting aspects of photographing children in India is their spontaneity. Unlike adults, children are unreserved and unselfconscious, allowing their true emotions to shine through. Whether they are playing cricket in a dusty street, chasing each other in a lively game of tag or simply sharing a laugh, these moments of pure joy are a testament to the resilience and spirit of Indian children.
Cultural richness through the eyes of children
The rich cultural tapestry of India is beautifully reflected in the lives of its children. A foreign photographer can capture the colorful attire of young girls in traditional dresses during festivals, the intricate henna designs on their hands or boys dressed as characters from mythological stories during local plays. These cultural snapshots provide a window into the heritage and traditions that shape the identities of Indian children.
Moments of connection and joy
Photographers often find that the joy of capturing children in India is mutual. The presence of a foreigner with a camera can evoke curiosity and excitement among children, leading to genuine, unscripted interactions. These encounters often result in the most memorable photographs – a child's face lighting up with a smile, a group of kids posing playfully or an impromptu dance performance in the street.
In India, the streets are more than just thoroughfares – they are vibrant playgrounds where children's imaginations run wild. In cities like Mandawa, children can be found flying kites from rooftops, splashing in monsoon puddles or playing hide and seek among the market stalls. In rural areas and smaller towns, the scenes are just as captivating, with children herding goats, helping their parents or engaging in traditional games that have been passed down through generations.
"Photographing children in the streets of India comes with its own set of challenges. The hustle and bustle of the streets, varying lighting conditions and the unpredictability of candid photography require patience and quick reflexes. However, the rewards far outweigh these challenges. Each photograph is a unique story, a moment frozen in time that speaks to the universal joys of childhood"
Joy can be found in the little things in life
In the laughter and play of children, the true essence of India is revealed, making it a destination that continues to inspire and enchant photographers from all corners of the globe. Laughter, like that of these joyful children in India portrayed in Mandawa in Rajasthan, is a typical expression of joy and it is a physical reaction consisting usually of rhythmical and joy means the emotion evoked by well-being, success or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires.
Joy is also connected to our mental and physical health. Studies have shown that joy can reduce stress, improve mood and even boost your immune system and this is because when we feel joy, our body releases dopamine and serotonin, which are both hormones that help our brain regulate emotions and create a sense of wellbeing. Joy is also the foundation of meaningful relationships. When we feel joy, we are more likely to be open and honest with others, which leads to stronger connections. It can also help us stay more focused and motivated, enabling us to accomplish our goals. Ultimately, joy is a powerful emotion that can bring a sense of fulfillment and contentment to our lives. It is important to recognize and embrace joy in all its forms, so that we can better appreciate the little things in life and create meaningful connections with others.
"Joy is a feeling that we all experience in different ways and it can be found in our daily lives and can be as simple as a smile from a loved one or a beautiful sunset. Joy is a positive emotion that can bring a sense of contentment, satisfaction and even bliss. Joy can be found in the little things in life. A morning cup of coffee, a hug from a friend or a good laugh with family can all bring a sense of joy. We can also find joy in the bigger moments in life, such as a special occasion, a promotion or the birth of a child and no matter how big or small the moment is, joy is there to be embraced"
The universal language of laughter
Laughter is a universal language and it is one that children speak fluently. Whether in a bustling urban setting or a quiet village, the sound of children laughing is a constant. Foreign photographers find that these moments of joy are infectious, often bringing a smile to their own faces and those of anyone who views their photographs. The candid photographs of children laughing together, sharing a joke or simply reveling in their own playfulness, capture the universal essence of childhood.
Children portrayed in Mandawa
The photograph for this archive story has been portrayed in Mandawa, which is a town in Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan in India. It is part of Shekhawati region and is situated 190 kilometers from Jaipur in the north. The fort town of Mandawa is known for its fort and 'Havelis' and is well connected with the other places in region through a good network of roads. Middle childhood begins at around age 7, approximating primary school age. It ends with puberty around age 12 or 13, which typically marks the beginning of adolescence. In this period, children develop socially and mentally. They are at a stage where they make new friends and gain new skills, which will enable them to become more independent and enhance their individuality. During middle childhood, children enter the school years, where they are presented with a different setting than they are used to and this new setting creates new challenges and faces for children.
Upon the entrance of school, mental disorders that would normally not be noticed come to light. Special education, least restrictive environment, response to intervention and individualized education plans are all specialized plans to help children with disabilities. Middle childhood is the time when children begin to understand responsibility and are beginning to be shaped by their peers and parents. Chores and more responsible decisions come at this time and so does social comparison. Along with social comparison comes social play. With social play comes learning and teaching. During social play, children learn from and teach each other, often through observation and joy.
"Fascinated by the irritating beauty of India with its wonders, gurus and mysteries, the photographer goes on a trip across the subcontinent on her own. With only the bare essentials in his luggage and travel in his head, he immerses himself in experiences around India. He delves into the culture in India. With an openness he is photographing his adventurous in a search for the power of photography"
Seeing India with empathy
India the great, still largely unknown country, a land of dreams or land of dreamers, nuclear power or poor house, world power or developing country. With a lot of empathy, but also with an alert and undisguised look, the photographer lets us participate in what he has seen and experienced in over 4 years in India and among Indians and what conclusions can be drawn from it. An instructive, exciting, moving and detailed inventory with a surprisingly clear result. An authentic journey awaits you. He would begin his adventure with a some days staying in Delhi where there would be time to go alone. What he did not knew at that time India is different. Very different. The high-contrast culture in the multi-layered country soon becomes a great challenge and for the first time in his life, the photographer is experiencing something that feels like homesickness.
India is fascinating, complex and feared
There are probably only a few countries where people differ so much. The country, which is mainly shaped by Hinduism, is characterized on the one hand by a multi-faceted, colorful and exotic culture and the hospitality of its residents is unparalleled, on the other hand, the overpopulation and the resulting problems, the often ailing infrastructure and certain peculiarities of the Indians make many visitors the stay difficult. The constant alternation of positive and less positive, even shocking experiences subjects many travelers to a rollercoaster of emotions. What helps not to let the emotional pendulum swing too much in one direction is knowledge, the knowledge of the "why" that underlies the behavior of the hosts, knowledge that prevents misunderstandings and arouses tolerance.
The Photographer who has been traveling in India, goes into the mysterious caste system and the relationship between the sexes as well as Indian business practices, table manners and the contrasts between modernity and tradition fueled by globalization.
"Laughter is a part of human behavior regulated by the brain, helping humans clarify their intentions in social interaction and providing an emotional context to conversations. Laughter is used as a signal for being part of a group and it signals acceptance and positive interactions with others"
See this video about Mandawa in Rajasthan made by Happy Travel.
Joy is a state of mind
"- My journey through India took me to different corners of the country, from the barren desert of Rajasthan to the bustling city of Delhi. Each place had its own unique charm and left me with unforgettable memories. But what remained constant throughout my travels was the unbridled joy that seemed to radiate from every person I encountered. In the town of Mandawa, I had the opportunity to play with some children. It was a fun and joyous experience, with laughs and an abundance of delicious food. I was struck by how effortlessly the locals embraced and enjoyed life, making the journey a truly unforgettable experience", the Photographer says.
"- The true highlight of my trip, however, was spending time with the children I encountered along the way. Whether in the big cities or rural villages, I was greeted by curious and smiling faces everywhere I went. Their laughter and enthusiasm were infectious and they never failed to brighten up my day. I left India with a newfound appreciation for the simple joys of life. Furthermore, I was amazed by the rich cultural heritage and spiritual practices of the country. As I explored the ancient temples, I was reminded that joy doesn't come from material possessions, but rather from within. The people of India seemed to have mastered this concept, finding joy in the present moment and in the beauty of their surroundings", the Photographer says again.
"- My trip to India taught me that joy is not something that can be bought or found in a specific place, but it is a state of mind. The people of India have a way of embracing life with all its ups and downs and finding joy in the journey. They have shown me that amidst the chaos and challenges of life, there is always something to be grateful for and to celebrate. As I bid farewell to this incredible country, I couldn't help but feel a sense of joy in my heart. India had given me so much more than just beautiful memories because it had given me a new perspective on life. The joy I experienced in India will stay with me forever and I cannot wait to return and experience it all over again", the Photographer says again.
Read also: Climate in India
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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 children in Mandawa. 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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