These photographs are a visual ethnographic documentation of Eid Milad un-Nabi, an Islamic festival that commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad, held in the busy streets of Jodphur, Rajasthan, India.
For the unacquianted, Eid Milad-un-Nabi is celebrated by Muslims from the Sufi or the Barelvi school of thought. The festival is also called Nabid and Mawlid colloquially. The "Mawalid" word is derived from the Arabic word which means to "give birth" and in this context, the term refers to the observance of Prophet Muhammad.
An Anecdote While Documenting The Event:
What a strange day it was! As I was watching the Islamic parade celebrating the birth of Muhammad in front of the ever-busy Sardar Market, I found myself in a familiar yet unusual spectrum of the performance paradigm.
I intended to be the spectator but the role was suddenly reversed. Amidst the mob and the cacophonous chaos, I became the actor-spectacle - the center of attention, the uncanny, the bizzare, the exotic other - who, unconsciously, put a huge smile on his face, alternately waving at the cheerful marchers and gesturing a thumb sign of approval.
Some people even asked for photo-ops, while others wanted a handshake or a high-five. The young ones were friendly and very curious to know who I was. It was as if my bodily presence turned the event into something much more interesting or amusing.
This encounter has made me appreciate and love India, despite its dystopian extremes, even more.
Muslims in this festive procession are carrying green flags and wearing green items of clothing to represent "paradise" and the traditional color of Islam.
For the unacquianted, Eid Milad-un-Nabi is celebrated by Muslims from the Sufi or the Barelvi school of thought. The festival is also called Nabid and Mawlid colloquially. The "Mawalid" word is derived from the Arabic word which means to "give birth" and in this context, the term refers to the observance of Prophet Muhammad.
What a strange day it was! As I was watching the Islamic parade celebrating the birth of Muhammad in front of the ever-busy Sardar Market, I found myself in a familiar yet unusual spectrum of the performance paradigm.
I intended to be the spectator but the role was suddenly reversed. Amidst the mob and the cacophonous chaos, I became the actor-spectacle - the center of attention, the uncanny, the bizzare, the exotic other - who, unconsciously, put a huge smile on his face, alternately waving at the cheerful marchers and gesturing a thumb sign of approval.
Some people even asked for photo-ops, while others wanted a handshake or a high-five. The young ones were friendly and very curious to know who I was. It was as if my bodily presence turned the event into something much more interesting or amusing.
This encounter has made me appreciate and love India, despite its dystopian extremes, even more.
*Photos taken with Canon EOS 1100D
Hello! My name is Sherwin -- Ish, for short, and I hail from the archipelagic country of the Philippines. I am an occasional nomad, a multidisciplinary writer-researcher, and a photography enthusiast. I created this travel blog with the aim of inspiring others do the same thing without spending a fortune. Yes, traveling while carrying a Philippine passport does not have to be expensive and difficult. With proper planning, lots of research, little money, and a ton of guts, you can do it! Here you will read advice and tips on budget travel, free volunteering opportunities, and backpacking on a shoestring to different destinations around the world. 
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