Chiiz Volume 2 by Chiiz

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EDITORIAL Editorial

Birth is like magic, and one of the purest experience a woman can have. Birth is something that widens our thinking about the world. It makes us realize that no matter how small things are, they surely can hold a greater importance.

Design

Many of us think that having babies is magical. But for a miracle to happen, you don’t need a prayer or a wish granting kiss, you just have to actually believe in it. The actual reason of it being magical lies in the transitions one undergoes after it. It makes the two rather carefree individuals more responsible and mature towards life, not just for the sake of baby but also for the bond they share with the baby. Through this journey of the story of pregnancy, birth and the newborns, we hope that many photographers will explore unique avenues related to the field.

Donatella Nicolini Prakhar Garg Mukesh Kumar Sheetal Mann Prateek Bhardwaj Mayank Sehgal Writer

Sana Singh Rahul Batra RB Tushar Sharma Business

Urshita Saini Sahil Gupta Neha Arora Marketing

Kanika Maurya Joel Hiekha Anurag Khaneja Analysis

Prateek Kashyap Audrey White Technology

Lee Nguyen Rishabh Jain Public Relations

Barkha Chandra Priyashi Negi Finance

Neelu Singh Anjali Chaudhary

And talking about the avenues and endeavors that a photographer can achieve, Julia has set a perfect example for the upcoming and aspiring photographers. Her idea of photography defines much more than just creating something new, but it pushes you to push the limits, to scourge the grounds for the mere possibility of an idea, and to always keep finding that lone source of inspiration that has kept you going all this while. Not only this, but the amount of dedication and perfection you get to see in Benny’s work is commendable. His feelings and his understanding of the wild beasts has brought a face changing revolution in the protection of these animals. Believe it or not, but it is the hour of the need. We all have to come together to eradicate this strong and evil force of illegal animal killing from the face of the earth and only that can help in saving our beautiful abode. Festivals like Holi and Hornbill are something that indicates the celebration of the ways of our lives. But the sad truth is that our ways have changed drastically and it is surely not for the good. Man has ever been in search of farthest lands for serene beauty and solace, but he has only damaged those districts upon arrival. Kashmir, the paradise of India, was once one of the most beautiful places, but time and man has taken its toll on it. The Tulip Festival is a way to tell people the tales of forgotten times, the times we so fondly cherish but never made an effort to preserve. Dr. Kaynat, a well read person and a female solo traveler, knows the importance of keeping our ways a bit on the older side. In the end, it’s not about what we have achieved so far or what we are going to achieve, it’s about being responsible for the generations to come and leave behind a better place for them to live in. That’s the only way we can work it out and strive towards a happier and peaceful world.

Consultant

Mansa Inc. Cover Photo

Tina Sokolovskaya

Donatella Nicolini

CONTENTS 8

Hues of Holi Nurses And I Benny Rebel

Symbol Of Unity In Diversity

38 66

Movie Review City Of God

Pratishtha Arora

Julia Wimmerlin

MakeUp Artist Paint It Snail

Swati Rawat

Tilt Shift Photography

VSCO

Tatiana Abramenko

App of the Month Model Of The Month

Concepts of Solo Travel Tips and Tricks

The Tulip Bulbs

Guess What Hornbill Festival

Sony Cyber-shot HX350

Tulip Festival

Wait For Me, Daddy

Maternity, Birth & Newborn

Old Is Gold

The Story Of A Life

The Streets of Vrindavan

Gear Review

Group Of The Month Your Shot India

Fashionista Behind The Camera Tina Sokolovskaya

HUES OF HOLI The Streets of Vrindavan Mukesh Kumar New Delhi, India

Bloody Faith Nikon D800 31mm F/4.5 1/125s ISO2000

very year as the month of March approaches, my heart starts to swell with excitement, for with this month comes my year-long hope of being there in Vrindavan once again for the festival of Holi. Though, since the last 7-years of my life, I have been celebrating the festival in the bewitching streets of Vrindavan, but still, there is something that keeps enticing me to this place. I don’t know whether it’s the place, or the people or the temples or the sound of ‘Radhe Radhe’ which lures me to be there every year.

temple which is colloquial for its Hare Krishna movement all around the globe. After the Puja, I took some rest and then headed towards Shri Banke Bihari temple. As the temple got nearer, the narrow streets of the Vrindavan got jammed by the swarms of devotees. This temple is the heart of Vrindavan; and if you are there and didn’t go to this temple, your visit would always remain incomplete and you would not get the blessings of the lord. Devotees from all around the globe come

Amit Nimade Bhopal, India

Rahul Batra RB rahul@chiiz.com

Rahul is a culture based writer who left his engineering job to pursue a career in writing. He wishes to write a psychological bestseller one day.

I eagerly wait for the Holi festival every year to celebrate it in the streets of Vrindavan and the memories of this festival remain always fresh in my mind throughout the year. Vrindavan is a place where, I believe, people lose their heart in the divine beauty of the place and its enchanting streets, but find a connection within their soul. This year, I reached there a day before the main Holi festival (also known as Dhulandi) and my Holi started at 4.30 am with an ‘early morning Puja’ at the ISKCON

here to celebrate Holi with Lord Krishna himself. Inside the temple, the priests throw colors and holy water from their pichkaris (water guns) and the crowd chants ‘Radhe Radhe’ in unison. In this very same temple, just a few days before the Holi, flower petals are showered over the devotees to celebrate a unique Phoolon wali Holi (Flowers’ Holi) without the conventional dry or wet colors. People were awestruck by the divine beauty of the moment and were celebrating as if it was their first Holi. From every nook & corner of the temple, only one sound – Radhe Radhe - was audible. And believe me, had the police and security personnel were not in action, nobody would have left. After somehow managing to get out of the temple, I headed towards Radha Vallabh temple. In this very same temple, 2-days before the Holi, widows gather and celebrate Holi with the lord. Holy water

from huge water guns is sprayed in the air which gives a feeling as if the lord is himself showering his blessings over his admirers. Holi festival also comes as a treat to the photographers. For the colors and the joy of happiness is so enticing that they can’t stop themselves from picking up their lenses and getting out on the streets drenched with vibrant emotions. All around Vrindavan, I could see photographers from around the world, trying to capture some of these enthralling moments. After that, I moved towards ISKCON temple which is a very famous tourist hotspot and for the same reason, it is also called angrejo ka mandir (or the temple of foreigners). The music, the dance and the tranquilizing sound of ‘Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare’ are what exactly defines this temple. One of the defining moments of this year’s Holi was when I saw 3 boys disguised A Child’s Play Nikon D750 44mm F/8 1/320s ISO560 in the form of female (or Radha’s friends), playing kikli, and frolicking in the Lord’s name. The genuine smiles on their faces (which rather signified their devotion towards the Lord) gave a jaw-dropping view which left me wondering whether the lord was visible to them. Some things are meant only to observe and you can’t give words to them, such was that feeling. The dance which these boys were performing is traditionally known as Raas Leela – the dance of passion - depicting the life of Lord Krishna and, his beloved, Radha; and how their love painted this world in the colorful essence of togetherness and belonging. This very moment reminded me of the first time when I was there in the temple as an atheist. I could easily recall the scenario where an old man of around 70 was

dancing and being completely immersed in the name of Krishna to bewitch the lord. I was not only enthralled and overjoyed by the scene but also my senses found a new rhythm. My feet started moving and I knew not when I started dancing and jumping with only ‘Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare’ on my mouth. This very same feeling is what, I believe, connects me to this temple. I feel it’s not my body that takes me there, it is as if they want me there every time around. Similarly, after a while, I lost myself again in the divine name of the lord and didn’t know what happened next, until it was the time to close the darbars (or gates) of the temple. I had to undesirably leave the temple and felt as if the hours passed in minutes that day.

People strolling in the streets of this holy city often get surprised when mildly hot water is pelted over them from different corners. They try to run away as quickly as possible but only to find someone else color

Abbas Baig New Delhi,India

Holi is celebrated to depict the victory of good over evil and has a very religious purpose associated with it, symbolising the legend of Holika. The night before Holi, bonfires are lit in a ceremony known as Holika Dehan (burning of Holika Demon). People gather near the bonfire, sing, dance and pray to the Lord.

around 12-years-old playing with her water gun and coloring people on the streets, a bewitching smile emanated from her face every time she made a successful attempt. It was such a beautiful sight for which I could

Street Hunter Canon EOS70D 18mm F/3.5 1/1250s ISO1000

their face in frenzy. The cows and monkeys strolling around are an intrinsic part of Vrindavan. Cows with festoons of flowers around their neck and monkeys who are always ready to grab your eyewear in return of some food are discernible in its every street.

Holi festival also comes as a treat to the photographers. For the As the Holika was being Shops with lassi, bhang colors and the joy of happiness burned in the evening, and sweets (especially is so enticing that they can’t I met a Brazilian peda) sprinkled with stop themselves from picking up man, who being fully color are present at their lenses and getting out on disguised in the attire almost every corner. the streets drenched with vibrant of a yogi with a rosary (a The city and its streets emotions. string of prayer beads) in are mired in colors, even his hand, asked me what Holika the clouds turned red on that Dehan was about. After explaining its particular day, bringing a spectacular sight history, I asked him if he was doing okay from below. because he looked depressed. He said, rather broken-heartedly that the next day You could see people all around spraying would be his last day in the city and he colors at each other, be it a friend or would be leaving for Rio after staying in the stranger. But herein lies the downside country for 5 months. Then I realised that associated with it, which would refrain any there was something spiritual in this place, women from visiting the festival. Women as everybody who comes here finds some are especially colored on their faces, necks kind of solace within their soul. and sometimes even their intimate parts which was very disheartening to see. The next day which is celebrated as Dhulandi all over the country, I decided to Soon it was 11.30 A.M. with all the major explore the streets of Vrindavan, to catch a doors leading to the temples getting closed, sight of some smiling faces of the devotees marking the culmination of this year’s Holi. who get lost in the moments of pure bliss. While walking back home, I saw a girl of

have given everything if I could see that for the rest of my life - which literally summed up my Holi for the year. HOLI AROUND THE WORLD Holi is celebrated as a social event in parts of the United States. For example, at Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork, Utah, NYC Holi Hai in Manhattan, New York and Festival of Colors, Holi NYC in Brooklyn. In New York, Holi is celebrated as the Festival of Color, where thousands of people gather from all over the United States to celebrate. A number of Holi-inspired social events have also surfaced, particularly in Europe and the United States and UK, often organized by companies as for-profit or charity events with paid admission, and with varying scheduling that does not coincide with the actual Holi festival. Some places you can head to, are: LIFE IN COLOR, MIAMI, FLORIDA ‘Life In Color’ is the biggest color festival out there. A concept that started out as a college festival in Florida, it has progressed into a worldwide color party. This festival takes places all over the world in short intervals and you can head to this festival for the perfect combination of music and colors.

Their website has everything you will want to checkout before heading out to LIC. www.lifeincolor.com COLORJAM COLOR MUSIC FESTIVAL, TEXAS ‘Colorjam’ is a color music festival that took place in Texas in 2014. With the euphoric combination of music and color, this festival captures the essence of Holi perfectly. Their line-up also featured acts such as Green River Ordinance, Sunny Sweeney, etc. Till now, no one can speculate their next date, but keep an eye out on this one. It’s worth it.

MUMBAI COLOR FESTIVAL, UTRECHT, NETHERLANDS Based on the traditional Hindu festival, Fort Vechten will become alive with color as festival-goers party hard to house and techno. Breaking down all distinctions of race, gender and sexuality, electronic music lovers come together for a day under a blanket of color, embracing their individuality and becoming part of one of Europe’s most creative music festivals. Sadly, organisers have decided that this year will be the last for the festival, calling it their final countdown. But there’s always a silver lining in every situation. Head out, the date is 5th May 2017. www.mumbaifestival.nl HOLI GARDEN FESTIVAL, IBIZA ‘Holi Garden Festival’ held annually in Ibiza, is the brightest music/color stage there is. Propagating their agenda of joy and amiability, this festival is as happy as it gets. Check out their website for the upcoming ones, www.holigardenfestivalibiza.com

PROTECTING YOUR CAMERA

Amit Nimade Bhopal, India

Prismatic Happiness Nikon D750 120mm F/4 1/500s ISO2000

FESTIVAL OF COLORS This festival goes on all summer around the whole world in about 30 countries. ‘Festival of Colors’ is a hippie’s paradise. It’s a music festival with a dash of color, featuring bands like The Bhakti Dance, this festival has a peaceful and tranquil demeanor. Promising good vibes, great music and above all, an incredible time, this fest is a must. www.holifestival.com

Cover your camera You can use camera raincoats which are available on Amazon or www.lenscoat. com. Now you could take your expensive underwater housing and use that, or a plastic bag also works just fine. Make sure your lens hood is attached as it can provide extra protection from the powder getting into your lens. Duct tape is also a good option. Don’t open/change anything! DON’T change your lenses and same goes for batteries and SD card. Do not open that camera body at all! Photographers solve the lens’ problem by simply bringing two cameras.

Cover the details. When capturing the festival, don’t forget to shoot the details – often the smallest things are the most beautiful, like this shock of red powder in a blue hand. Shoot in a comfortable mode. Don’t plan on fiddling around with manual settings unless you are a pro at it. Go with auto focus mode. Do test shots first and ensure you have your ISO, aperture, metering, focal point set as much as you can for each Holi situation before you walk into it. Then just keep those settings and fire rapidly. Get on top of anything. Images displaying colorful powder with a view from above are always great. Get on top chairs, balconies or anywhere you find space. Shots of powder being thrown in the air are loved by many.

Some do’s and dont’s.

Watch out for colored water at all times. Cover your camera at all costs. Take a lot of duct tape for emergencies. Don’t change or open any component. Be ready to go to auto focus, for color in the air can interfere with manual. Take extra batteries and memory. Holi is celebrated to depict the victory of good over evil or so they say. I think the reason it is celebrated is to show people how beautiful it is to live in harmony and peace, and let us do that, not just for one day but for eternity. Let’s show the world how colorful it is to live in peace.

HOLI ONE ‘Holi One’ is a color festival held in Cape Town where it commenced. This event aims to adapt our vivid culture of celebrating Holi with music and colors and cherish the power of one. It took place in August last year in London and no dates have yet been released for 2017. www.holione.com Luigi Roberto Spano Bari, Italy

The Color Run Samsung SMG920I 4mm F/1.9 1/220s ISO40

Prakhar Tripathi Mumbai, India

Amit Nimade Bhopal, India

Blissful Drizzle Nikon D4S 18mm F/5.6 1/30s ISO1000

Jai Shri Radhe Nikon D750 95mm F/4 1/640s ISO320

Sourabh Gandhi New Delhi,India

Breaking Old Impediments Nikon D810 24mm F/3.5 1/640s ISO200

Somia Mallick

Showering Blessings Sony SLT 50mm F/1.8 1/500s ISO100

Calcutta, India

Amit Nimade Bhopal, India

Sparkling Colors Nikon D750 120mm F/5 1/640s ISO450

Prakhar Tripathi Mumbai, India

Caught In Action Nikon D4S 50mm F/2 1/800s ISO200

Beluga Whale, also called White Whale, is an Arctic and sub-Arctic cetacean. Beluga whales are among the smallest species of whales. The absence of a dorsal fin allows them to swim under ice with ease. They are now protected under the Endangered Act because of the reducing numbers. The Beluga was placed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List in 2008 as being “near threatened”. Andrea Izzotti Genova, Italy

Smiling Beluga Nikon D4 70mm F/5 1/500s ISO1600

Andrea Izzotti Genova, Italy

Lost under water Nikon D810 16mm F/8 1/250s ISO100

The one Nikon D810 16mm F/8 1/250s ISO100

Andrea Izzotti Genova, Italy

Take me skywards tonight Nikon D810 52mm F/5 1/100s ISO400

Puffed with Pride Nikon D800E 60mm F/18 1/320s ISO200

Andrea Izzotti Genova, Italy

Anthony Britten Queensland, Australia

Long time, Friend Nikon D4 16mm F/6.3 1/200s ISO1600

Gliding Nikon D800 15mm F/8.0 1/400s ISO400

Anthony Britten Queensland, Australia

Looking Out Nikon D800 15mm F/8 1/1000s ISO200

45 Anthony Britten Queensland, Australia

Halfway There Nikon D800 16mm F/8 1/800s ISO400