Widow of Vrindavan

Widow of Vrindavan

Loneliness and the feeling of being unwanted is the most terrible poverty.  Mother Teresa

According to Hindu tradition widows may not remarry. Instead they are to spend their remaining lives alone. Many have been abandoned by their families and find their way to Vrindavan, in northern India. They spend much of their day singing bhajans in exchange for a hot meal and a few rupees.

Ron Mayhew

Fine Art Photographer specializing in Still Life and Commercial Photography.

This Post Has 16 Comments

  1. We’ve spoken about the widows before – but this is a special shot, Ron – more poignant, I think because of your subject’s composure.

    1. There is so much more to say about the plight of these women and so many more images….all in due tine. Thanks for your comment.

  2. This is a wonderful photo, Ron, and such a sad state of affairs for these widows. You capture this woman’s poverty of spirit so perfectly.

    1. Thanks Cathy. My short time in Vrindavan was very special. These women’s circumstances have improved in recent years but many receive inadequate care.

  3. Great choice of quote to work with wonderful capture. I think it’s the composition with the second widow out of focus that makes the first so powerful. Really well done Ron

    1. Thanks Tina. When I saw the quote I knew I had to work with this image and post it. To me, it personifies the quote.

  4. This is quite stunning, Ron. An intense, meaningful gaze…

    1. Thank you Karen. It was a very special time for me.

  5. You’ve really captured the look of the terrible hardships they face, Ron. A very powerful and heartbreaking photo.

    1. Thank you Sylvia. Just too much of this sort of thing going on to be ignored.

  6. Thank you, Ron, for using your wonderful skills to highlight the plight of these women. In this day and age, to think of this — horrible.

    1. Thank you for your comment. It is horrible and so much of the Western World seems to be callous toward the poor and toward poor women in particular.

    1. Thank you Mark. A real compliment coming from you.

  7. This is a stunning photo! Love the intensity you captured!

    1. Thank you. I am delighted you enjoyed it.

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