An interview by Mini Pixel's Nikola Kostic with photographer Carol Foote. See Nikola Kostic's other videos here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkd_qXUu1eoJmBzx7eX9Zhw

Bhutan is known as The Land of the Thunder Dragon. It is a small, landlocked nation in Asia, located in the eastern Himalayas south of Tibet, and is governed by a constitutional monarchy. Bhutan has a strong ancient Buddhist culture and was almost completely cut off for centuries to avoid foreign influences. In the 1970s it began to slowly open to outsiders but is still restricted; travel is only possible as part of a pre-arranged package or guided tour. Photography: ©Carol Foote Music: Boedra Bhutanese Song Equipment: Fujifilm Cameras & Lenses Instagram: carolfoote_photographer https://www.carolfoote-photographer.com/

The Garasia are an Indian agrarian tribal community mainly residing in Rajasthan and Gujarat. Unlike many other castes, they are allowed to choose their own marriage partner and may even co-habit outside of wedlock. It is thought that this arrangement, and the high status of women, has resulted in a low incidence of rape and dowry deaths in their communities. Garasia women wear colourful tunics called Jhulki which are adorned with fabric flowers and mirrors. The garments are also embroidered with the owner's names or clan. Photography: © Carol Foote Music: Durga's Dance, Pawan Krishna Equipment: Fujifilm cameras and lenses Instagram: carolfoote_photographer www.carolfoote-photographer

Varanasi (widely known as Banaras) is an ancient city on the Ganges river in Uttar Pradesh. On its ancient river frontage there is an array of shrines, temples and palaces and miles of ghats (steps) to which pilgrims flock in order to wash their sins away in the holy waters. It is also home to one of the busiest cremation sites in India, Manikarnika Ghat. Photography: © Carol Foote Music: Ganges Blues, Banaras Baba & Kolkata Kid Equipment: Fujifilm cameras & lenses

The Pushkar Camel Fair is an annual five-day camel and livestock fair held in the town of Pushkar between the months of October and November. Rajasthani camel herders travel from all over the state to trade their livestock. Photography: © Carol Foote Music: While My Guitar Gently Weeps, Banaras Baba & Kolkata Kid Equipment: Fujifilm Cameras & Lenses Instagram: carolfoote_photographer https://www.carolfoote-photographer.com/

Nepal Photography: © Carol Foote Equipment: Fujifilm Cameras & Lenses Instagram: carolfoote_photographer https://www.carolfoote-photographer.com/ Music: Folklore of Nepal, Sight of Wonders

The Hijra of India. While Western countries move to embrace the LGBTQ community, people of non-binary gender in India have played an important role in society’s history and culture for over 4000 years. Evidence of sexual ambivalence has been a recurring theme in ancient holy texts in which Hindu deities often change genders. In 2014 the Supreme Court acknowledged that third gender people are deserving of rights equal to other citizens. They are slowly assimilating into the fabric of Indian society and are now recognised as a third gender on passports and other official documents. Photography: © Carol Foote Music: Majesty by Emir Isilay Equipment: Fujifilm Cameras & Lenses Instagram: carolfoote_photographer https://www.carolfoote-photographer.com/

A celebration of women 💪 Photography by: © Carol Foote Music: Proposal by Hanclef Equipment: Fujifilm Cameras & Lenses Instagram: carolfoote_photographer https://www.carolfoote-photographer.com/

Hindu Holy Men.  In Hinduism, a Sadhu, or Baba as they are often known, dedicate their lives to achieving moksha -a liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth.  By far one of the most fascinating sects is the naked Naga Sadhus who instead of wearing clothes, smear their bodies with ash.  They mostly reside in remote mountain areas or in ashrams and are rarely seen.  However, in 2019 I was fortunate enough to be in Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad) for the Kumbh Mela – the world’s largest religious pilgrimage and bathing festival which is only held once every twelve years.  Photography: ©Carol Foote Music: Punch Deck Bhangra Bass Equipment: Fujifilm Cameras & Lenses Instagram: carolfoote_photographer https://www.carolfoote-photographer.com/