zachary vitiello photography
contact: zvitiello@hotmail.com
INDIA.

This series of photographs introduces us to some of the individuals I met during the four months I spent in India in 2010. Beyond being portraits of individuals and environments, however, this series is a portrait of a way of life. Through the eyes of each of my subjects, we are afforded a glimpse into the inspiringly unique way in which Indian people draw an immense sense of pride and joy from their often marginalized, but always beautiful, existences.

From an outsider’s perspective, Indian culture seems to be driven by the unparalleled sense of social connection shared by the billion people inhabiting the country. This bond is reinforced by strong ties to religion, family, and community. Every plight endured by one is endured by countless others. And when it comes time to celebrate, they celebrate together. The heavy load of reality is carried on the backs of every citizen, making it easier to bear for all.

For this reason, the only way to understand India is to know its people. And to know its people is to fully realize where genuine happiness comes from. For even in the face of the harshest conditions this planet has to offer, they have an incredible ability to find joy and contentment in what we most easily take for granted — life itself.

- Zachary Vitiello (March 1st, 2011)

One of the countless children living on the streets of Kolkata.
A man takes an early morning bath in the holy Ganges river. Varanasi.
A wood-carrier perched atop the logs he spends his day carrying. Varanasi.
He carries logs on his head, up and down the stairs leading to the holy Ganges river in Varanasi. The logs are used to create funeral pyres — more than 300 bodies are publicly cremated on the banks of the Ganges every day.
A man bathes himself in the murky, polluted waters of the Hooghley river, a channel of the holy Ganges. Kolkata.
Kolkata.
In the Kumartuli district of Kolkata, sculptors spend 364 days of every year creating enormous, intricately carved and painted statues of deities and heroes. Then, as an offering to their gods, they destroy months of work by plunging their creations into the Hooghley river.
A sadhu man dips himself into the fast-flowing current of the holy Ganges. Haridwar.
A man collects donations during a Puja ceremony on the banks of the Ganges. Haridwar.
In the tiny mountain village of Goshal, inhabitants harvest their own grain to make various breads. Once the grain is picked, it is hit over and over with a wooden club, separating the grain from the chute. The sound of clubs thudding on the stone ground echoes throughout the village all day long.
Returning home from a day harvesting crops at the base of the Himalaya. Manali.
A man watches his children play from the window of his traditionally-Northern style home. Manali.
Manali.
Manali.
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