Adelaide Christmas Pageant

South Australia is known as the 'Festival State' and it is said that around 500 festivals and events happen here yearly! It includes all big and small events. Yesterday, we attended Christmas Pageant which is a parade held annually in South Australia since 1933 on every second Saturday of November. I did not know how big a deal it is! Colourful and vibrant (almost never-ending) procession of floats, clowns, performers and volunteers walk a 3.35km route in Adelaide's city centre.  People start gathering since 7am to find best spots to view the parade which starts around 9:30 am. It is like a giant picnic where everyone's invited.

When we reached around 9, all the spots were already taken! There was an atmosphere of happiness and festivity and a smile on everyone's face. Children were having a ball as they got to draw and scribble on the road with coloured chalks while they waited. 

I went live on the blog's Facebook page here or you can enjoy some of my favourite photographs in this post. All photographs are taken by Ahsan Qureshi Photography

Thaipusam Festival - Picture Story

Batu Caves During Thaipusam Festival

There are certain things that I need to do because I am a photographer's wife. Like sometimes help him with his projects; be that helper who holds the photographer's bag and lens. Do I enjoy it? Most of the times yes! I don't know if my interest and curiosity about different cultures and traditions is because of his urge to capture them. But, I feel great that I get to experience such diversity! I saw Thaipusam festival in 2015 with my husband and I wanted to share with you some photographs and all that I know!

All photographs by www.ahsanqureshi.com

Picture Story: Colours of Diwali in Malaysia

Deepavali or Diwali is a Hindu festival of light celebrated in autumn. It is a major festival of Hindu religion and thus is celebrated with a great fervour in Malaysia where Hindus are the third largest population. Diwali is a five day festival and has different rituals for each day. But lighting clay lamps, eating sweet tidbits, wearing new clothes and using firecrackers can be seen every day. Malaysia celebrates Diwali on the 29th of October this year. I visited Brickfields, Little India, last week to just enjoy the festivities of the season. Here are some photos for you to have a virtual tour.

Picture Story: Fasting and Eid in Malaysia

Muslims all over the world are fasting for 29-30 days as a part of their religious obligation. The basic rules of fasting and prayers are the same no matter which part of the world a Muslim lives in but the celebration, decoration, food and clothing depends on the traditions and culture of the country. I love how the same religions and festivals have such different manifestations. I decided to do a picture story of some aspects for Ramazan (the holy month of fasting called Puasa in Malay) and Eid (the celebration to mark the end of one-month fasting called Raya in Malay). 

Masjid India in Kuala Lumpur - Friday Prayers

Picture Story - A day with Chimpanzees

Look at these cute Chimpanzees! They are so full of expression and attitude. I think I just love this series....

A picture story...  Credits to Ahsan Qureshi Photography.

Photographs taken at the Zoo Negara, Kuala Lumpur