Beautiful Borneo almost wouldn’t let me leave after I planted my first tree in Sepilog, back in 2012.
Thaipusam
Finding your tribe
September 15, 2018MY STORY
THAIPUSAM HINDU FESTIVAL
But, ’I did it, I returned to the crime scene’ echoed in my mind when I landed after a two-hour flight from Borneo to Penang.
I knew I would return even after leaving it behind on my first visit.
Colonial Georgetown once again made me feel wonderful. This time, however, it was for a different reason.
I participated in the Thaipusam photo workshop with Mr Gavin Gough and Mr Matt Brandon. Young at heart. Everyone had charming traits that made them stand out.
Overall, they were open-minded, kind-hearted people with a sense of adventure and a zest for life. In the end, we became like a family where everyone played their part.
Our mission was to get to know the participants at the festival – whether family, individual, or small group. We aimed to spend every possible moment with them and understand them thoroughly. To tell their story through photography.
My initial ‘story’ wasn’t answering her phone at the time – nothing out of the ordinary for such an event, but an adjustment had to be made.
Mr Fernando Gross and Mr Matt Brandon prepared me well on focusing on everyone together. Mr Fernando Gross and I told the story of five friends, who were to pull the 5-ton statue for a long distance – measured in kilometres.
It was wonderful getting to know everyone, although initially I felt a bit uncomfortable among all the guys.
But they were so open and eager to share their belief’s story. Cheerful as if they weren’t sleeping on the floor among mosquitoes and on a strict diet.
One of the family members, a participant in the Hindu festival, was kind enough to show us his back. Unbelievably, there was no bruise from last year’s hooks.
I soon relaxed and became increasingly interested in the culture I had never experienced before. Fear gradually turned into sharing stories and knowledge.
The power of photography was undoubtfull.
The first night was tough, and with no luck, I managed to take only a few shots. I quickly experienced the darkness in full – without an external flash.
Crowds don’t make me feel particularly comfortable, and since I’m not very tall, I usually end up being on the shorter side. My confidence still needs to be built.
The story of a sacrifice as giving thanks was still quite unclear to me at the time, but with each conversation, I became more interested in the story.
There were sketches of images appearing before my eyes, and from time to time, it felt like I was in a cartoon.
The camera followed my mind, trying to keep pace and capture the impossible. Photographing felt like dancing among all those people, sounds, colours, light, shadows, and positive vibrations. I was thirsty for their genuine stories.
Pride in their intentions looked exciting, and although their faces seemed tired, their eyes were still full of energy.
Day in, day out, in the morning exhausted, with a bit of anxiety, curiosity, a mind filled with questions, plenty of challenges, lots of laughter, compassion, and disappointment too.
With each hour drawing closer to evening, more challenges were resolved and questions answered. Tiredness became enjoyable, filled with emotions, new knowledge, and experience. One of the most exciting weeks.
We stayed until early morning, and the guys were on their last legs of energy. It was at the entrance to the temple where we left our shoes, which weren’t there anymore. Fernando’s shoes were found nearby, while I headed home barefoot.
It turned out that neighbouring dogs are very fond of shoes, which often end up scattered around the temple.
Barefoot, with my head full of new information, I returned to the hotel. After downloading the day’s harvest, cleaning lenses, and gathering my breath and thoughts, the alarm clock went off to announce the new morning session. As it turned out, a special session.
We set off to the venue of a new day with Mr Gavin Gough and Mr Fernando Gross. All around, there were wild rhythms of Indian musical instruments.
Incense was so intense that I had trouble concentrating. Piercings and prayers were everywhere. I had to pause for a moment to look around and decide what interested me the most.
The sun was at its worst – it felt like being in an oven, and we had to be very careful not to dehydrate. Gallons of water didn’t help; I suddenly felt very dizzy, and in the next moment there was Mr Gavin Gough, catching me under my arm. A rest in the shadow, combined with some sugar and water, and I was ready for the next episode.
Our lads were extraordinary; exhaustion took its toll but only on the outside. Deep inside, they remained committed to their belief.
Concern for their well-being usually comes from their closest friends and family, and I felt honoured when they allowed me to help. I provided them with water to prevent dehydration, but it’s not so easy to drink with pierced lips and especially a tongue.
The first couple of times, water poured everywhere except where it was supposed to, but it provided good laughter for everyone, if nothing else. They also let me help with the ropes (ropes were attached to their backs to pull the giant statue).
Getting so caught up in the story, I got carried away a little when I tried to get the photo from underneath the ropes, which meant I got in their way. I’m happy with the image I captured, but I wouldn’t do it again.
When I first realised what they were getting themselves into, I felt like crying and was struggling not to let my eyes fill with tears.
I was gradually understanding their story and embraced the challenge of photography. I felt proud of them; they were my boys.
The amount of determination they displayed was beyond my comprehension. All their emotions were concentrated in their eyes: happiness, fortune, sadness, disappointment, pride, warmth, and love. I was moved.
Like angels, their friends and family were everywhere, with faces showing joy and pride. Powerful event.
The amount of determination they were showing was unbelievable to me. All their emotions were focused in their eyes: happiness, fortune, sadness, disappointment, pride, warmth, and love. I felt moved.
*The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeing new landscapes, but in having new eyes.*
– Marcel Proust –
I was everywhere, evenings spent counting my bruises, and I remained relaxed despite all the chaos, among complete strangers. Light was an issue for me, strong highlights didn’t help, but I didn’t give in.
There were moments when I had to return to my comfort zone and use the 100mm f2.8 macro for close-ups, and it proved reliable once again.
Everything was great until I felt the heat — my energy level dropped to zero, and it wasn’t the first time that day. Luckily, Mr Fernando Gross was looking after me, but I was feeling feverish, dizzy, burned out, and I knew I had to get to my bed soon. It took me a while to reach the hotel; the streets were reserved for the festival.
After dinner and a moment to myself in my room, I remembered Mr Gavin Gough and Mr Matt Brandon. One of the first things they warned us about was dehydration, sunburn, and food – the basics!
I understood that with all the excitement, work, and other distractions, you can easily forget the basics – and I did. Fascinated by the festival, I forgot about everything. Adrenaline was pumping through my veins and the camera, and we were at our limits. It was a perfect day but a bit on the edge.
Hours were passing by, memory cards were filling up, and I was doing well, encouraging the guys, helping them, and bravely gaining new photographic experiences. It was relaxing to see that, despite how exhausted they were, the guys still laughed at my jokes. Being aware of the playground helps you build that trust and maintain mutual respect.