Lunar Leela: Photography Exhibit at Scarsdale Public Library

Lunar Leela - The Divine Play of Moon Light and Shadows
By Dhaval Rajen Jhaveri

Originally from Ahmedabad India, I now reside with my family in Old Bethpage, New York.

Why the Full Moon, You May Ask
The Moon and the Sun are the two celestial bodies most visible to us. Yes, stars are visible too, but size matters. And unlike the Sun, we can gaze at the Moon for hours without straining our eyes. The majestic Moon, floating serenely in the sky, offers us glimpses into the dazzling universe beyond. One glance at a Full Moon, and you might find yourself, as I did, completely in love with the cosmos!

A Childhood Memory
My fascination with the Moon began around age 10 on a road trip to Rajasthan (India). Near Jaisalmer, I watched a Full Moon rise—huge, surreal, almost planet-like. I didn’t have a camera, but the memory is vivid: sunlight shimmering on a massive pink-orange sphere with a mirage-like glow. It was my first encounter with the Moon’s grandeur, and it left me awestruck. An object floating 382,500 km away somehow made the universe feel closer.

A Lifelong Connection
Growing up, we celebrated various auspicious Poonams (Full Moon nights), with the Moon shining brightly above. That connection stayed with me, even as life moved on, filled with work, family, hustle, and the inevitable rat race.

Capturing the Moon
There’s a unique excitement in waiting for the Full Moon to make its appearance. I often wait for it to rise high enough to be visible from my home - weather permitting, of course. Over the years, I’ve missed many Full Moons due to overcast skies, but that is nature’s way. I often walk or drive around, searching for that perfect view.

During one of these walks, I discovered the beauty of the Full Moon framed by trees, vines, and branches. Since then, I’ve focused on capturing these natural silhouettes against the luminous backdrop of the Moon. Each season offers a different view; even a few steps right or left completely change the perspective. Sometimes, I find myself braving extreme cold, but the reward is always worth it. What you see here today are some of those moments captured through my lens.

Remember, there are only 12 Full Moons in a year, and weather permitting, you might catch only a few of them. My point is—each Full Moon is precious, beautiful, and quite literally out of this world. So, step outside, watch the Full Moon with your loved ones, and let yourself fall in love with this magnificent universe!