Photo: Join in the Celebration

I took off my shoes and started up the stairs to the Ranakpur Temple in Rajasthan, India. I stopped when I heard women laughing and singing in the distance. Soon these colorful women emerged from the temple singing, dancing, and clapping full of exuberance. I was overwhelmed by their pure joy. I looked them straight in the eyes, smiling back at the vibrant group, making a connection with them. I was invited to dance with them and was able to capture it in pictures; a connection of cultures I will never forget.