GRADUATION 2024
This graduation means so much more than just another degree. It has been 10+ YEARS of pushing personal, professional, cultural, and internal barriers towards finding myself.
In its' wake: a bond with my wife Karla Maharaj Cacho (who also graduated dental school!) so strong that it scares me, friends, that love and care for me in ways I aspire to for myself, and most importantly, an eternal love for my dad Dhiren Maharaj, brother, and sister Smeeta James that is timeless.
And in my heart, the beats of my late momma, whose love works through my hands in every patient I care for.
WE MADE IT!
Dr. Deepak Maharaj, DO | Dr. Karla Maharaj, DDS
Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
From NYC, we were not able to directly into Rio so we had a layover in São Paulo, which was another 45’ish minutes to Rio :) From there, a quick (and shockingly cheap Uber ride) we were at our hotel: Copacabana Palace, right on the famous Copacabana beach!
<3
Just across the street from our hotel, the famous Copacabana Beach!
We LOVED how local families just rocked their speedos and two pieces, with bodies to match their awesome kindness and warmth. We immediately fell in love with the place.
The next morning, we were off to see Christ the Redeemer, a wonder of the world! Don’t bother with guided tours. They’re both super-expensive and unnecessary. We reserved our tickets here. We just reserved our Uber, which was ridiculously cheap (like $5 USD for a 25-minute drive! This was true for EVERY Uber ride, so you extra don’t need a car or guide.
We got to the trolly first thing in the morning, (around 6:50a), and on our way out (around 9a), the queue was around the corner, so definitely go early!
The ride up the mountain was stunning since Christo sits on a mountain smothered by the Tijuca National Rainforest!
It’s what I’d imagine an elevator up to heaven would be like. Maybe better.
The Copacabana Hotel also has a couple of their own Michelin Star Restaurants on the ground floor!
And of course, a nightcap of choice by the pool to close her out <3
The next morning, Karla reserved us a samba class with SambaFit Studio. SUCH a good workout and of course, never hurts to humble oneself.
After a siesta, we visited Parque Lage, which tucks up nicely to the largest urban rainforest in the world, The Tijuca!
The next day, we visited Sugar Loaf Mountain, which is STUNNING. We solicited our tickets here.
The views were mesmerizing, and the top of Sugar loaf is quite developed. We stayed there for hours, just enamored by the panoramic views of Rio. And it only gets better at night…
The next day, we visited the incredible Selaron Steps!
For our last night, we wanted to stay on the beach but with a rooftop view, so we booked a stay at PortoBay Hotel, just a block away from Copacabana Hotel, and got more than we hoped for!
Obrigado, Rio! <3
I N D I A
After an incredible welcome and stay at The Leela Palace, we started our tour at the Qutab Minar, a controversial world heritage site. The Mughals invaded this region in India, defaced ancient Hindu deities from temple walls, and used those same materials to build mosques in their place. One can only imagine the conflict that occurred here. The history helped me better understand the power of intentions and actions in any moment and their evolution into history over time.
Today, this area is still of geographic importance as a center of modern-day commerce, a travel hub, and history. Diversity continues to be Delhi’s strength 800+ years later!
The next morning, we drove 3 hours south, to Agra, to see the Taj Mahal, another symbol of Mughal influence in the region, and a rightful Wonder of the World!
I really enjoyed people-watching in our cab as we zipped around from place to place.
Nothing can prepare you for the driving in India. By far the wildest we’ve ever experienced. Interestingly, the constant honking isn’t out of frustration, as it is here in the U.S. The beeping has 100% to do with letting other drivers know that you are there. Our driver told us that if he doesn’t honk to let others know he is there, he will certainly get hit! Listen to this:
We visited Agra Fort, built by the 3rd Mughal Emperor, Akbar, the grandfather of the 5th Emperor, who went on to build the Taj Mahal tons of interesting history:
https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/251/video/
Nothing can really prepare you for the grand scale of the Taj Mahal. It’s certainly a wonder of the world because it’s not just a beautiful feat of engineering but its grand presence wakes a sense of awe within you. We spent our first day in Agra with a great tour guide, and saved our second day to roam around with a local photographer, Himanshu.
That evening, we had to see some of the local clothing shops! The shops, service, and tailors in India are incredible. They were able to custom tailor me and Karla’s clothes in a few hours, and even delivered it later that night to our hotel!
The fancy clothes were necessary the next morning, when we met up with Himanshu, an incredible photographer from Jaipur. Check his Instagram out!
We were then off to our next city, Jaipur, known as The Pink City, which was a 45-minute flight from Agra airport (which is run from a military base!), known for its original Rajasthani art, architecture, and long-standing resistance to Mughal influence. This was a common theme—the more south we moved from Delhi, the less Mughal influence there was, considering the powerful Rajput kings who were able to defend their lands and culture.
Patrika Gate is a modern symbol celebrating just that!
In Jaipur, we stayed at the INCREDIBLE Samode Haveli which couldn’t be matched by any other place.
As we were walking around on our tour, we found a little photo booth where we could dress up in traditional Rajasthani clothes. It was fun to see the juxtaposition of colors and armory. Back in old Rajasthani times, pink was a symbol of masculinity and military power.
The next day, we met up again with Himanshu at Amber Fort and the Jaipur City Palace, still the home of the King of Jaipur!
My Dad is an absolute beast when it comes to traveling. One day I’ll be as prepared, resilient, and patient as he is. This trip couldn’t have been as great as it was without him. Gracefully, he teaches me all that I still have to learn.
That evening, we were off on another 45-minute plane ride south, to our final destination, Udaipur, the City of Lakes!
We were lucky to unwind for a few days at the Taj Lake Palace, a beautiful hotel in the middle of Lake Pichola!
This couldn’t have been a better end to our trip. I mean look at this welcome:
Traditional Udaipur music and dance at the hotel. Interestingly, Udaipur is also known as the Venice of India.
Incredible entertainment, fine dining experiences, and views.
What struck us the most about our trip to the motherland was the incredible attention to detail from everyone.
Our drivers, tour guides, photographers, tailors, and servers—the people here really made our trip as wonderful as it was.
Pepper that with rich history, architecture, art, and music, and we have THE recipe for our favorite visited country so far, INDIA.
I left India with an even greater curiosity for my ancient roots, language, and philosophy.
Of the dozens of cities and 12+ countries we’ve visited these past 10 years, no other place has deepened my eagerness to learn as India has.
I came across this great clip from the late and great, Carl Sagan’s time in India—Skip to minute 6 for an intriguing summary of Hindu philosophy: the cycles of creation, preservation, and destruction.
And if you’re as curious about these ancient philosophies as I am, see this video.
~ Namaste ~
Diwali | 2023
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in the Hindu calendar. Symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance, Diwali holds profound importance for ~1 billion Hindus/people around the world!
In the the Hindu epic, the Ramayana, Diwali is a celebration of the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana. The return of Rama to his kingdom after defeating Ravana is celebrated with the lighting of lamps and the decoration of homes, symbolizing the dispelling of darkness and the welcoming of light!
The tradition of lighting diyas (oil lamps) not only signifies the triumph of good over evil but also serves as a metaphor for dispelling ignorance with knowledge.
Press play below and enjoy the images on your scroll down :)
Interestingly, the Hindu calendar is a lunisolar calendar, meaning it is based on the positions of both the Moon and the Sun. It consists of lunar months, with each month beginning and ending with the new moon.
However, to synchronize with the solar year, which is roughly 365.25 days, the lunar calendar includes an extra month, or an intercalary month, periodically. This helps align the lunar months with the solar year.
Since the lunar month is shorter than the solar month, the date of Diwali shifts each year in the Gregorian calendar.
Happiest of Diwali’s from the Maharaj Family!
Dia De Los Muertos | 2023
This year, Karla and I decided to honor our lost ones by celebrating the wonderful memories they left with us!
Arizona, USA
I happened to wrap up an audition rotation at Nellis Air Force Base, just a few hours north of here~ Figured we check out our potential home for the next few years!
The New Wave
North Rim, Horseshoe Bend, Grand Canyon, Arizona
Antelope Canyon, Arizona
Antelope Canyon is maintained by the original settlers, the Navajo Nation. Proceeds directly support their community! See here
Most remarkable, is that Antelope Canyon is entirely within these underground crevices!
What these images can’t capture is the extraordinary presence of this landscape. One of my favorite parts of this trip was the mesmerizing sights from the drive!
~ Thanks for Viewing ~
All images captured: Canon 5D mark iii, Tamron 24-70mm lens
If you would like any of these images, just shoot me an email and I’d be happy to share :)
