First thing first, my sincere thanks to Moon Roy for nominating me for Thomas Cook Explore the Elements photo blogging competition. The contest is about capturing and expressing the four elements through travel photography by submitting at least one photograph representing each of the basic elements of the world – Earth, Water, Fire and Air.
One can visit the link for more details of the contest –Explore The Elements.
Although this contest is essentially about four elements, but I would like to talk a little about the five essential elements which are known as Panchbhuta in Hindu Mythology. The system of five elements are found in Vedas, especially Ayurveda, the panchamahabhuta, or “Five Great Elements”, of Hinduism are Bhumi i.e Earth, Ap or Jala i.e. Water, Tejas or Agni i.e. Fire, Marut or Pavan i.e. Air or Wind, Vyom or Shunya or Akash i.e. ether or void or sky.
As per Hindu Mythology based on Veda System, all of creation, including the human body, is made up of these five essential elements and that upon death, the human body dissolves into these five elements of nature, thereby balancing the cycle of nature
Lets go back to the contest and explore four elements which are talked upon by Buddha and explained by many such as Plato and further defined by Aristotle. elements my way:
I usually prefer landscaping photography and hence Earth as an element is of profound interest for me. Lets see different nuances of Mother Earth first:
Official entry for Explore the Elements contest – Chhitkul Town on the bank of Baspa river in Himalaya: Heaven on Earth
Panchachuli Range in Himalaya
Earth an essential element for Farmers: Paddy Field on the way to Munsiyari Along Gauri River
Now lets explore Water Element which is the source of life on the earth:
River Baspa originating from mighty Himalaya
Cascading water through the craggy and coarse cliffs of Himalaya on unexplored road near Indo-Nepal Border
A Fishing Boy on Water Tank in Vindhya Range of Central India
Pattaya Beach In Thailand: A life so open and representing cosmopolitan form of the world
Official entry for Explore the Elements Contest – Morning dews on a spider web creating most beautiful natural art
And after earth and water, now we will explore Fire Element which represents the energetic, forceful, moving things in the world associated with security, motivation, desire, intention, and an outgoing spirit. For me The Sun is the fire God. It gives a reason to every living body on earth to live.
Melting Sun: The Fire God
Sun rise in Himalayan range of Panchachuli
Rays of setting Sun illuminating Kullu valley near Manali.
Official entry for Explore The Elements contest – Fire: A symbol of faith and pure spirit. I clicked this shot in New Delhi at Nizamuddin Dargah (mausoleum) which is melting pot of many the faiths
Lets now explore fourth element the Air which represents things that grow, expand, and enjoy freedom of movement associated with will, elusiveness, evasiveness, benevolence, compassion, and wisdom. It represent freedom and thus it is an essential element for every traveler and road tripper.
Bird On The Top: Morning hour shots in Thar Desert, Rajasthan
Cloud is a the symbol of freedom
Cloud over Himalaya range in Kinnaur Valley representing the natural wanderism
Offcial entry for Explore The Elements contest – Adventurous Roads to Himalaya: an enabler to enjoy the freedom of traveling
Diving boys of Betwa River which flows in Central india. This photo was clicked at Orchha.
As a part of the contest rule, I need to nominate fellow bloggers for the contest and now I nominate the following 5 travel bloggers who I think are on the road to be serious travel and photo blogger and may love to participate.
- Gitanjali of Travel by Karma
- Dheeraj of Devil of Wheel
- Shikha of Nomad Scribblings
- Sangeeta of Life is a vacation
- Jatin of Wandering Jatin
Lets keep exploring the world.