Delighted to be writing about my recent cocktail reception at Alliance Francaise de Singapour. It was holding its 10th France + Singapore Photographic Arts Award (FSPAA). An award which provides a platform for the French and Singaporean photographic artist to showcase their creative talents to an international audience.

Finalist of France+ Singapore Photographic Arts Award

The award aims to raise awareness of the experimental and emerging styles of photographic art. Ten photographers were shortlisted by a panel of juries to present their creative interpretations. This year’s theme, “Celebrations are the juice of life”. Truly blessed to be one of the ten finalists handpicked by the panels from FSPAA.

Second-year in roll

I participated at the 9th French + Singapore Photographic Arts Award 2019. I was one of the handpicked ten finalists too. With the theme of “Interculturalism”, I did share images from various countries. You can have a look of last year experience here: https://www.josejeuland.com/9th-french-singapore-photographic-arts-award/

Kumbh Mela – Hindu festival in India

The photo I send to 10th France + Singapore Photographic Arts Award was something close to my heart. Kumbh Mela festival considered one of the world’s largest gathering of people. Maha (“Great”), Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years. An Ardha (“Half”) held every six years after the Maha Kumbh Mela.

The Kumbh Mela is on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. A mass Hindu pilgrimage, where Hindus gather to bathe in a sacred river. History has it that the Kumbh Mela festival has been a regular event for over 2000 years! The determination for each site which is on astrological calculations seeing the positions of the Sun, Moon and planet Jupiter.

transgender crowd 4 February pilgrims Kumbh mela 2019 India Allahabad Prayagraj Ardh hindu religious Festival event rivers photographer jose jeuland photography This year, the Kumbh Mela held in the city of Allahabad. The confluence of the three sacred rivers. The Ganges, the Yamuna and a mythical third river, the Saraswati. Worshippers bathe themselves in the holy waters, which they believe will wash away their sins and deliver them to Moksha. Liberating them from a cycle of birth and death, leaving them eternally blessed.

show car death wall people pilgrims Kumbh mela 2019 India Allahabad Prayagraj Ardh hindu religious Festival event rivers photographer jose jeuland photography I was blessed enough to witness this passionate gathering. This trip enabled me to fully immerse myself in this thick tradition. Fortunately, this festival made me understand the culture of India in a whole new perspective. Being a spectator of gravity-defying stunts at the Wall of Death, shoved into the waters with 40 to 50 million thronging pilgrims on the busiest day (4 February 2019). Mixed with people of all ages connecting in this significant celebration of peace and harmony. The simplest way I could describe my experience in my own words are it was out of this world. It felt like I was in a movie.