The Legend Of Holi.

Holika (from where Holi comes from) was a female demon, and the sister of Hiranyakashyap, the demon king who considered himself ruler of the Universe and commanded everybody in his kingdom to worship only him. Prahalad was the king’s son. His father hated him because Prahalad was a faithful devotee of the God Vishnu, not him. One day the king asked him “Who is the greatest,Vishnu or I?” “Vishnu is,” said the son, “you are only a king.” The king was furious and decided to murder his son. He tried several ways to kill his son, but failed every time; Prahalad survived being thrown over a cliff, being trampled by elephants, bitten by snakes, and attacked by soldiers. So the king asked his sister, Holika, to kill the boy. Holika captured Prahalad and sat in the middle of a fire with the boy on her lap. Since Holika had been given a magic power by the Gods that made her immune to fire, Prahalad would burn to death while she remained alive. But because Holika used her gift to do something evil, her power vanished and she was burned to ashes. Prahalad stayed true to his God, Vishnu who protected him, and Prahalad survived.

Therefore Holi is celebrated as a festival of the victory of good over evil.  In many parts of India, the dummy of Holika is burned on large bonfires.

How We Ended Up Celebrating Holi.

We ended up celebrating this festival while travelling through northeast India. All over sudden we were covered in colourful dust while searching for our hotel in Kalimpong, West Bengal. We just threw our bags into the room and went with the flow.

Although Holi has religious roots, not much religious activity is involved in its celebration anymore. It’s the most energetic Indian festival, filled with fun and humour – even the strict rules of separation between castes are abandoned during the festival; it simply connects people. They’re dancing through the streets, accompanied by trucks with music equipment to get the tensions really high.

We had the opportunity to sit up on one of these floats. It was totally crazy, with people throwing colourful powders, dancing and unbearable noise.

There’s A Down Side To The Holi Festival.

The down side of the Holi festival is that these colours are all highly toxic! You don’t feel it immediately, but they’re also capable of causing serious skin complications and allergies. The artificial colours that are used are structured polymers and are next to impossible to decompose biologically. Every year, people die from poisoning from colored powder and water used during Holi celebrations…

Weeks before the Holi festival takes place, toxic colours can be bough in every street.

Holi is celebrated at the approach of vernal equinox, during full moon. The festival date varies every year, per the Hindu calendar, and typically comes in March.

Holi is one of the major festival of India and is the most vibrant of all.

During the Holi festival, there is no getting away from colours being thrown at you.

The festival signifies the victory of good over evil, the arrival of spring, end of winter, and for many a festive day to meet others, play and laugh, forget and forgive, and repair ruptured relationships.

This truck was re-arranged as a music float leading the crowd of people through Kalimpong during the Holi celebration.

Holi is the most energetic Indian festival, filled with fun and humour.

Old and young celebrate during the Holi festival.

The Holi festival connects people. They’re dancing through the streets, accompanied by trucks with music equipment to get the tensions really high.

You can still feel the aftermath of the Holi festival days after…

The parade started out with two boats carrying white-dressed colleagues of AIDS campaigners who were killed in the MH17 crash in Ukraine marked the start to the gay parade. Signs reading “Remembering our colleagues on MH17″ and music made this a very emotional start into an otherwise flamboyant party. 80 boats, thousands of spectators along the canals, brilliant costumes and vibrant sounds.

Members of the Aids Fonds organisation pay tribute to the victims of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 at the start of the Amsterdam Canal Parade.

It was my third pride parade this year (after Auckland & Vienna) but I’ve never felt the kind of spirit & energy as I have in Amsterdam. The entire city went along. Hotels & restaurants advertised the parade, rainbow flags hung from several apartment buildings and posters & flags were hung up everywhere. Amsterdam is such an open and tolerant city and I love that!

80 boats started from Westerkerk church down the Prinsengracht.

Westerkerk Church was covered in a rainbow flag during the Pride Parade. Something you unfortunately don’t see very often, but in Amsterdam EVERYONE goes along – also the church.

The Amsterdam Pride Parade is one of the best and most fun prides in the world.

The Amsterdam Pride Parade is fun for everyone – gay and non-gay.

About 500.000 people from around the world attended the multicoloured beats-fuelled Pride Parade in historically tolerant Amsterdam.

The Amsterdam Pride Parade shows people celebrate equality & freedom together.

Even the planes diverted their route to fly over the Amsterdam Canal Parade.

Pride Parades are held all across the globe, but Amsterdam is the only city that has the parade on boats.

Amsterdam’s reputation of being the “gay capital of the world” is severely tested as thousands of people flood the city.

Moroccan and Jewish boats debut at this years Amsterdam Pride Parade.

After King’s Day, the Amsterdam Pride Parade is the biggest event in Amsterdam.

The Netherlands was the first country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage in 2001. Another reason, why it is such a popular destination for LGBT visitors.

Amsterdammers decorate their own boats along the Gracht to celebrate the Amsterdam Pride Parade.

Large companies such as Absolute Vodka or Google have started to sponsor the Pride Parade by joining the parade on their own boat.

Nowhere in the world you will find so many gay-friendly attractions per square metre as in the city centre of Amsterdam.

The Amsterdam Pride Parade tends to have a more profound meaning than just party. Every year boats from a more “controversial” background – like the police or military for example.

Amsterdam could be considered the birthplace of LGBT rights. Homosexuality was decriminalized here in 1811.

The party crowd didn’t let a little rain get in the way of celebrating the 19th annual Amsterdam Pride Parade.

“Live and let live” is one of the city’s favourite sayings.

The Amsterdam Pride Parade was my personal highlight during my 4-day visit.

#1 Must Do In Varanasi: A Boat Ride Along The Ganges River.

A boat ride along the Ganges river is one of the absolute musts when visiting Varanasi. You have to negotiate the price a little bit because boats are in high demand and many tourists spoil the rates. It will cost you between 150 – 400 Rupees, depending how far you want to go.

Start upriver; this means you walk upstream as far as the University complex and negotiate a boat ride from there. Don’t mind any dead body floating by … this is nothing too special in Varanasi, since lots of Hindus come here from all over India for their last days to die along the holy Ganges river.

A boat ride along the Ganges river is essential for a real Varanasi experience.

Hindus believe that they have three mothers: the mother who has given them birth, Mother India and Mother Ganga. Therefore, a ride along this majestic river is an absolute must when visiting Varanasi.

#2 Must Do In Varanasi: The Area Around Malviya Bridge.

Now you’ve already seen the Varanasi skyline from a boat view, but to be near the action, a stroll along the Ganges downstream all the way to Malviya Bridge (originally called The Dufferin Bridge) is a great experience.

The bridge is a double decker bridge, that carries rail track on lower deck and road on the upper deck. It’s interesting to watch all the different vehicles & trains cross and see the people living underneath the bridge and its corners, where they are protected from sun and rain. Malviya Bridge is the “end” of the inner holy area of Varanasi. This means if one dies in this inner circle, he will reach eternity immediately and this is also the reason why lots of “homeless” people call this bridge their home.

Walk across it and start strolling back in the direction of the city. It’s an impressive sight to see (& fell) trains cross as you stand on the riverbank. Eventually a boatman will come along and row you back upstream.

Malviya Bridge is not only an impressive sight, but also an important lifeline, since it’s also the way to Mughal Sarai train station.

Malviya Bridge in Varanasi, which was inaugurated in 1887 (originally called The Dufferin Bridge), is a double decker bridge over the Ganges river. It carries rail track on lower deck and road on the upper deck.

#3 Must Do In Varanasi: A Stroll Along The Ghats.

Every Ghat has its own meaning and use. Some Ghats are “reserved” for washing clothes and doing laundry. For example Assi Ghat is a prominent bathing Ghat, while others are dedicated to worshipping, and some are for cremation like Manikarnika Ghat, downstream from Dasaswameth Ghat (also called Main Ghat). Bathing near Tulsi Ghat is believed to get rid of leprosy. So as you can see, there’s not only lots to see, but also lots to learn about each Ghat along the Ganges river.

Taking a stroll along the Ghats in Varanasi is a must for every visitor.

Kids jumping into the Ganges river while walking along the Ghats in Varanasi.

The skyline of Varanasi is one you will never forget.

#4 Must Do In Varanasi: Varanasi From Above.

There are many hotels with roof terraces – either with a restaurant, or a private balcony adjoining the room. We suggest to have lunch at one of these places to see Varanasi from above. Good places are: Alka Hotel, Ganpati guest house and Temple Hotel. Alka hotel and Ganpati guest house are good options for your entire stay in Varanasi.

Again, you’ll most probably see the occasional body floating by, which is about as normal as breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The water of the Ganges river is holy and many visitors bring is back home in carafes.

The view from the balcony of the Alka Hotel in Varanasi will give you several amazing photo opportunities.

#5 Must Do In Varanasi: Exploring The Winding Side Streets.

The old town is dotted with small alleys, so just leave the main road, turn left or right and you will come to see some unusual places. Don’t worry about getting lost, because sooner or later you’ll end up either in front of the river or on a main street. A compass or Google Maps is a good choice not to lose direction.

Out intention was to find the place where the bodies arrive in the city. We asked our way through some stores, until one guy finally told us that we should stroll around the area near the town hall. We sat down in a hardware store at the corner and the owner was very keen to explain all the things surrounding a body’s arrival…

The old city of Varanasi extends about two kilometres back from the river and is a maze of alleyways and streets.

There is something new and colourful to explore around every corner in Varanasi.

#6 Must Do In Varanasi: Experiencing Varanasi During A Festival.

Hundreds, or better thousands of people all dressed in orange hurdled in every little street corner during festivals in Varanasi. The police forces are relentless, worshippers have to line up and obey all the rules that are enforced on such festival occasions. Police will not hesitate to use their bamboo sticks to keep things in order. It’s a security measurement to keep such big hordes under control. Try to get somewhere on top so that you can watch the crowds from above.

Crowds of Hindus during a Krishna festival in Varanasi, India.

#7 Must Do In Varanasi: Getting A Haircut Or Beard Trim At A Local Barber.

If you’re travelling through India, you’ll notice that the hairdressers you’ll pass along the streets are barbers for men only. Lady hairdressers are mostly hidden behind closed doors or curtains. If you insist enough though, even a local barber will give you a nice wash and blow dry … and if you’re really lucky (and you’re up for it) even a haircut. Don’t worry, hair grows again… after all, no risk, no fun. Plus it’s quite relaxing when you’re out all day in a crowded city like Varanasi.

Local barbers can be found in any city or village in India, Varanasi is no exception.

A typical barber shop along the Ghats in Varanasi.

#8 Must Do In Varanasi: Eat & Drink At The Crown Bread Bakery.

So Indian food is one of our favourite foods. But when traveling though India for a couple of weeks in a row, cravings for a delicious cake or western-style food (that actually tastes like it should) arise. At the Brown Bread Bakery, all your hard effort will be rewarded. Prices are a bit higher than average, but that’s because they pay fair wages and only use organic products!

Tip: Don’t stay on the ground floor, but walk up all the way to the top for a good relaxing atmosphere without the noise or bicycle or motorcycle horns.

The rooftop terrace of the Brown Bread Bakery is not only the highlight of the bakery, but Varanasi itself.

You can truly relax and enjoy the beautiful rooftop terrace of the Brown Bread Bakery in Varanasi.

The ground floor of the Brown Bread Bakery also offers a few seating possibilities and is bet used when you don’t have much time.

The Brown Bread Bakery is a famous spot in Varanasi and pretty much everyone can guide you the way here.

After arriving at the train station, it didn’t take long to realize that some sort of festival was going on. Hundred, thousands of people all dressed in orange hurdled in ever little street corner. I later found out, that this festival was nothing too special (compared to nation wide once like the Holi festival for example). I guess the Indians just wanted to kill some time before they’re off to the Nirvana and a festival is a good opportunity for that :)

The security during these two days was extremely high. Security precaution double red, which is no wonder when 100.000 Indians are celebrating. Days before the festival, workers hammered and built alleys of paddocks for all the crowds of people.

I took a couple of shots but then decided to hit the road since I didn’t want to be in the middle of hundreds of people screaming holy slogans – not only because it’s damn loud but because there were lots of giddy & loony people around. Some of these have definitely said their good-byes to the Western style of living with rad war paintings on their faces. I didn’t want to be in the middle of this … but I’ve definitely got some new ideas for next years Carnival.

Anyway, I tried marching on but it was almost impossible to get away from all the crowds. Out of the blue I came to another temple with hundreds of people waiting in line … no idea what was inside. Some super God statue I guess. Oh well, as I always say “Religion is what keeps the poor from killing the rich”.

Walking on bravely, feeling like a sardine, I arrived at one of the main intersections in Varanasi where a group of people with cloaked bodies crossed my way. At this point, I was so exhausted that I had to rest for a little while. A basin-selling-man didn’t mind my sitting on his steps. From there, I probably had the best view you could get, front row baby! I saw all the float in and out of the city, which included two more dead bodies being transported to the Ghats. The first one was on a jeep and I would have missed the second one, if it wasn’t for the basin-selling-man who screamed: “Look Misses! This car has body inside!”

After an absolutely exhausting day, with 40° in the shade, sweat running down my spine all the way into my shoes and about 2.000 photos, I decided that it was time to hit Alka Hotel. The shower that evening was the biggest luxury ever … and of course I knew that the next day would again be hard yet spectacular, so a good night sleep was all I wanted (and got).

Crowds of people in Varanasi, India. 

Waiting in line like cattle to enter a holy temple in Varanasi, India.

Hustle & Bustle in Varanasi, India.

A “Sadhu” in Varanasi, India.

Music is a must during the festival in Varanasi, India.

Burning grounds at the Ghats in Varanasi, India.

The world is fascinating. People and cultures inspire us. Sadly, the fast paced lifestyles of our generation result in many not taking the necessary step back to soak in the existing world around us. The goal with this film is to help viewers further appreciate and take notice of the beauty in life & culture that lies within our world…

…so the next time you notice something that strikes you as interesting, stop for a second, start powering on your camera, think about why it’s unique, and snap the shot before you miss it. Life is extraordinary. Embrace it.

It’s the celebration of the Chinese belief that if you abstain from meat & dairy products, you’ll enjoy good health and bliss. Since we’re in Bangkok at the moment, we had to travel to Chinatown (particular around Charoen Krung Road – here you’ll find heaps of little side streets to wander around) to see how the Chinese actually celebrate this festival.

How we found out about the Vegetarian Festival.

While stuck in traffic, our taxi driver told us that nearly every street in Bangkok’s Chinatown will come alive with yellow flags, starting on the 25th of September 2011. During the nine festival days, traffic will be really bad around the Chinatown area. He said that when you see one of these flags at a restaurant or food vendor, they will only offer a vegan menue. Well, this is not always the case … while we walked around the streets in Chinatown, we came across many little food stalls with yellow flags, yet still there was meat on display. I guess the thought counts.

History of the Vegetarian Festival.

So how come there is such a thing as a Vegeatian Festival Bangkok and how did it get here? It’s believed that a Chinese group fell ill during their visit to Bangkok. They then decided to follow a strict vegan diet. At the same time they prayed for the purification of the body & mind to the Nine Emperor Gods. Since then, the Chinese in Bangkok celebrate this festival annually. If you ask me, it’s a great one; not eating meat from time to time isn’t only healthy but even the hardest meat-eaters will realize how yummy veggies can be ;)

Walking along in Bangkok’s Chinatown.

Yellow banners at Charoen Krung Road in Bangkok.

A food vendor (selling fried bananas) in Chinatown.

In the heart of Chinatown.

The yellow flag (usually) indicates a vegan food restuarant/vendor.