Ever heard of the rainbow gatherings? These are temporary community events usually held in outdoor settings. It’s a place where people can practice ideals like Love, harmony and peace. The first Rainbow Gathering was held in 1972 and began as an alternative to mainstream culture. The annual event in the United States is held from July 1st through to 7th on National Forest Land. The highlight of the whole event is when everyone gathers in a large circle and every person prays for peace silently.

After attending these events for several years, Benoit Paillé, a Canadian self-taught photographer and art director, was allowed to take portraits of his fellow “brothers and sisters”.

“The pictures you see are very precious since photography is not usually allowed during the event,” he said.

For the last three years, he captured these incredible moments at Rainbow Gatherings across Canada, Spain and Mexico.

[Images courtesy: Benoit Paillé(Flickr, deviantART, Behance)]