Penelope Gan | Photo Blog just some cl!cks by me …
Chaam Atsaras
© Penelope Gan – All Rights Reserved – Phodong Monastery – Sikkim, INDIA
Similar to other religious theatrical performances in other parts of the world, Atsaras (jokers) plays an important part in Chaams. Their movement in the dance are not governed by any religious rule but rather they are granted considerable freedom of movement up to [...]
The Homeless, Rural India and COP15
© Penelope Gan – All Rights Reserved – Ghoom, West Bengal, INDIA
While much of the press at COP15 were focused on the leaked draft, disarray climate talks that threatens international unity to fight global warming and speculations on India and China’s move, in tandem with ‘analysis’ (opinion pieces really) of both nations, the reality on [...]
BRO – Swastik
© Penelope Gan – All Rights Reserved – Gangtok-Nathu La Pass, Sikkim, INDIA stretch
“Inconvenience is Regretted, BRO.” And many other signs such as this appear as I was traveling along the Gangtok-Nathu La Pass – 54km east of the Sikkimese capital, Gangtok and 430km from the capital of the Tibetan Autonomous Region, Lhasa. For [...]
Hashish Children of Kullu
© Penelope Gan – All Rights Reserved – Naggar, Kullu Valley, Himachal Pradesh, INDIA
Set against picturesque backdrops of high mountain passes, the gushing Beas River, lush apple orchards, bucolic alpine meadows and glacier, in Himachal Pradesh lies secluded hamlets infamous for its world class charas (Hindi for hashish).
Grown wild, traditionally the locals use the hemp [...]
14th Dalai Lama
© Penelope Gan – All Rights Reserved – Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre (TRSHC), Darjeeling, INDIA
Being an inspiration for 6 million Tibetans, and the approximate 100,000 impoverished Tibetan refugees in India and Nepal who had followed his lead into exile, it is no surprised that photos and newspaper cuttings (in various languages) of the 72*-year-old [...]
Mojari Jootis Kolhapuris
© Penelope Gan – All Rights Reserved – Jaipur, Rajasthan, INDIA
Mojaris, Jootis and Kolhapuris ‘floods’ Rajasthan, Delhi and Punjab with production dating back to the period of Kings and Queens. During its heydays, Jootis were heavily embroidered with real gold and silver threads and decorated with previous gems and pearls. But, with the passage of [...]