About the Book: Celebration and Prayer: Life and Light in Raza’s Art by Ashok Vajpeyi offers an intimate portrait of Sayed Haider Raza, one of India’s foremost modern artists. Drawing from his deep friendship with Raza, Vajpeyi delves into the artist’s evolution, highlighting his spiritual and philosophical journey. The book explores Raza’s iconic works, such as the ‘Bindu’ series, and his engagement with Indian metaphysics, emphasizing his syncretic worldview that transcended religious boundaries. Vajpeyi also reflects on Raza’s commitment to pluralism, noting his regular visits to a temple, mosque, and church, and his use of Hindi and Sanskrit poetry in his paintings. Through personal anecdotes and philosophical insights, the book presents Raza as a visionary who found profound meaning in geometry, color, and spirituality.