Good Morning Ayodhya

There is this characteristic scene I remember in the mornings in Ayodhya along the Saryu River where the Kans grass would light up with the backlit sun. I took a boat ride to a stand-alone mud bank to get close for this photo.

Golden hour seemed to last forever here. Smog can do wonderful things for a camera lens.

Staying in a neighbourhood for a few days gave me a glimpse of daily life. It usually started before I was up. My host started his pilgrimage to the river at 3:30 am, a 2km walk, for his daily dip; meditating his way there in a repetitive prayer guided by the 108 beads of his mala which had a satin sheen from years of use.

I explored from the moment there was enough light, absorbing the unmistakable feeling of devotion in the morning rituals around me. Ayodhya is historically the kingdom of Rama. This is the Raj Dwar Mandir, the royal gateway leading to the ancient palace grounds of King Dasharatha and Lord Rama.

After prayer, signs of the working world began to emerge.

I was welcomed even into the most private of worship spaces.

I made hundreds of portraits, mostly allowing the light to choose the subjects. I hope to bring these photographs full circle into the hands of those I can find on my next visit.