Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Abhishekam Ritual

During a tour of the streets of Pasar Seni on a street photography mission by chance, rather than good planning I arrived at the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple. One of Kuala Lumpur’s most popular temples.

As the temple is a  holy place, I removed my footwear and asked permission to take photographs inside the Temple, which was granted.

I sat for a moment in the prayer hall to clear my mind, and take in my surroundings.

I was pleased to have arrived in time for the Abhishekam – a Hindu ritual of bathing the deity. According to my google search an Abhishekam of milk removes all sins, and coconut water increases the overall wellness of the family.

The primary deity of the Temple is Sri Mariamman or the Divine Mother – she provides protection for her worshippers from evil spirits.

Sri Mahamanriamman Temple - Chinatown - Kuala Lumpur
Sri Mahamariamman deity

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Inaugural International Guitar Festival 2008

I was invited to cover the inaugural International Guitar Festival, held in July 2008 in New Plymouth – New Zealand. The festival was founded by Garry Sharpe-Young – Venture Taranaki Trust.

The line-up was impressive with rockstars Gilby Clarke (USA), Glenn Hughes (UK), Vernon Reid (USA),  Alex Skolnic Trio (USA), Uli Jon Roth (Germany), and Joe Satriani performing.

The New Zealand line-up included Kara Gordon Trio, Gray Barlett, Mathew Marshall Quartet, and Nick Granvill.

It was a week long festival and included performances to educate and inspire guitarists. Jam sessions, guitar clinics, discussion forums and midnight sessions were held throughout Taranaki. Subsequent Festivals were held through to 2010.

Please see here a few of my favourite photographs. I’m a Canon girl and was using an 85 mm f1.2L  and a 14 mm f2.8 lens for this occasion, and mostly with an ISO rating at 800.

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