Social and visual anthropologist

ogen met stip.JPG

TAKE AWAY RITUAL

 
tarflyer.jpg

In the town of Pushkar, many residents earn a living by delivering services to backpackers. However, as many backpackers seek interaction with locals in their quest for authenticity,  the residents themselves have become part of the attraction. The Pushkar pooja-ritual reveals the complexity of the interaction between these actors. Backpackers are interested in Hinduism, but also reiterate a spiritually inspired Orientalism. Priests have utilized this imagining of the East to their advantage, bringing Pushkar prosperity. Not everyone perceives this development as a blessing.

Take Away Ritual was made in Rajasthan, India, by Sanderien Verstappen and Koen Alefs, 2002.