@hellobrookie

Burning Man is definitely not for the faint hearted. This annual gathering takes place at Black Rock Desert in Nevada. For a week, the desert is transformed into a temporary city for the radicals, wanderers and dreamers who love all things original and dare to be different. The name of the event stems from the symbolic ritual of burning a large wooden effigy, which takes place on the last Saturday of the festival. This effigy features beautiful designs each year and is known for its grandiose. For the first-timers and fun lovers, here are some exquisite moments from the gathering so far, courtesy Instagram.

Immersive Experience

 @lml89

Burning Man is based on 10 key principles, which include Radical Inclusion, Gifting, Radical Self-reliance, Radical Self-expression, Communal Effort, Leaving No Trace, Participation, etc. These principles allow the participants to truly immerse themselves in this alternate lifestyle. The festivity encourages non-commercialism and rosters in individualist attitudes. Once the week is done, the community leaves no trace of their presence in the environment. This festive platform engages people to discover themselves and it is no surprise that it has resonated with ‘misfits’.

Art In All Its Forms

 (L-R)   @Missmartijean    @burningman  @designboom @firekos

Art is central to the Burning Man festival, and it encourages all involved to get in touch with their artistic side and express themselves freely. The various installations and artwork by the artists and crew are the highlights of the festival. Artists channel their creativity to create stunning sculptures and buildings. Fire dance, music and other performances also inspire the people and bind the community in celebrating interactive art forms. The festival is known to display radical sculptures, this year it includes Dreams of Flight, Da Vinci Virus, The Space Whale, etc.

Da Vinci’s Workshop

@frequentcyclist

This year, the theme is Da Vinci’s Workshop. So we expect multiple Vinci-inspired sculptures and works of art. Burning Man also invited a musical ensemble - San Francisco Renaissance Voices to perform their stellar music, inspired by Italian Renaissance, true to the theme. It is certain to be a magical transformational moment for the crowd. The themes also continue to the village camps where groups are banded together to represent a single identity. How cool is that?

Expressive Fluid Fashion

(L-R) @burningmanstyle @camelliasandcurls @firekos  @itsivanya

The crowds at Burning Man have, time and again, redefined fashion to reflect their unique persona. While their fashion styles might not be runway-approved, they certainly are mesmerizing and enigmatic.

So if you are a fashionista, prepare to be amazed by the raw fashion trends at Black Rock. Beware ladies, you’ve got competition, men too have been seen donning some pretty radical fashion styles!

The More, The Merrier

@whiteocean_bm

Being at Black Rock is all the more fun because of the active participation of the crowd. This not only includes the festivities, but also behind the scenes of making the festival happen. Burning Man sees many volunteers pitching in to help build infrastructure for Black Rock City. This allows the crew and the participants to get to know each other and learn the ropes. What's more, they can even make a stunning sculpture or do a performance of their choice!

Burning Man is surely a one of a kind festival that breaks the boundaries of stereotypes and brings people together. It is radical and whole lot of fun for the visitors. Happy Burn!