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That was the first timeBenn Jayms Tkalcevic- The Australian art filmmaker, creator of the famous 2019 Hoi An travel video, is visiting India, even though it has always been at the top of his list of places he wants to visit. Joining him on this journey is Vietnamese-born photographer Vuong Bui.Vankki) andErik HedenfalkTwo close friends who share a passion for travel photography and videography.
They arrived just as the Indian festival of Holi was in full swing, and felt the vibrant, lively atmosphere throughout the country. Held on the full moon day of the month of Phalgun according to the Hindu calendar, the Holi festival holds significant religious meaning. It marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring, and also celebrates the victory of good over evil. People pour into the streets to throw colored powder at each other, symbolizing freedom and the absence of class distinctions.
Many people in this country believe in the power of deities and miraculous healing methods. There are those who dedicate their entire lives to the religion and beliefs they hold. Legend has it that if any form of ancient magic ever truly existed, India is its birthplace.
Unfortunately, due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, Benn and his friends had to return earlier than planned. However, during their 10-day stay in this sacred place, all three fell in love with it. They visited the peaceful, secluded town of Orcha; Agra, home to the ancient Taj Mahal; and Varanasi, the holy city on the Ganges River, a center of Hinduism for thousands of years. They also visited Delhi, Vrindivan, and Mathura, regions steeped in religious significance.
Throughout that "magical and wondrous" journey, as Benn said, "although we didn't witness any magic firsthand, we felt the wonder in the people and the lands we visited," and "this trip is a great reason for us to return to India again someday."
