The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, scheduled to take place in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, 13th Jan – 26th Feb, is set to be one of the largest and most significant spiritual gatherings in the world. With its profound cultural and religious importance, the Kumbh Mela draws millions of pilgrims and visitors from across the globe, offering a unique opportunity to capture the essence of India's rich spiritual heritage.
As a living tradition, the Kumbh Mela presents an unparalleled chance to document diverse religious rituals, vibrant cultural performances, and daily life. Photography has long played a key role in preserving these moments, offering a visual record of the event's significance and its impact on the global spiritual landscape.
To support the photographers in documenting the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, the Lalit Kala Akademi is launching several initiatives aimed at encouraging and empowering photographers from around the world to participate in this momentous occasion.
1. Photography Contest
To celebrate the spirit of the Kumbh Mela, Lalit Kala Akademi is organizing a Photography Contest with the following thematic categories:
- Akhara’s, Sadhus, and Saints
- Aerial, Blue Hour and Golden Hour Photography
- Prayers and Faith
- Sacred Water
- Open Category
The best photographs from each category will be awarded with prizes, including cash rewards, hampers, camera accessories, and more.
Photography Contest Awards
1st Award, each category - ₹1,00,000
2nd Award, each category - ₹50,000
3rd, 4th, 5th, each category - ₹25,000
25 Outstanding Recognition Awards - ₹10,000 each
Timeline
Contest Announcement: 13th January, 2025
Last Date: The last date for form submission is 26th February, 2025
2. Photo Talks
Lalit Kala Akademi will host a series of Photo Talks for photographers of all skill levels. Led by experienced photographers, curators, and industry professionals, these sessions will cover topics such as:
- Cultural documentation
- Photographing in crowded settings
- Visual storytelling techniques
- Ethical considerations in sensitive moments
These free-of-charge sessions aim to enhance the participants’ technical skills while fostering cultural sensitivity in photographing a sacred and complex event like the Kumbh Mela.
3. Photo Walks
Guided Photo Walks will provide photographers with the opportunity to explore key locations within the Kumbh Mela, such as the bathing ghats, religious rituals, and cultural activities. Expert photographers will offer hands-on guidance on techniques such as framing, composition, and lighting. These walks will also emphasize the ethical aspects of photographing such a sacred event.
Photo walks are open to all participants and will be offered at no cost.
4. Exhibition
After the event, a curated Exhibition will be held to showcase the best photographs captured during the Kumbh Mela 2025. The exhibition will provide a public platform for photographers to present their work, highlighting the spiritual and cultural diversity of the Mela. Lalit Kala Akademi will handle all logistical aspects of the exhibition, including printing, framing, and curation to ensure a high-quality presentation.
5. Commemorative Photo Book
A Commemorative Photo Book will be published by Lalit Kala Akademi, featuring the award-winning and best photographs from the event. The book will serve as an artistic archive and a historical record, documenting the stories and rituals of the Mela through the eyes of photographers. Alongside the visual work, the book will include narratives and contextual insights to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Mela's significance.
6. Mela Moments Photography Exhibition
The Mela Moments Photography Exhibition will be showcased again at Kalagram, Block no -7, Maha Kumbh, Prayagraj.
Lalit Kala Akademi is committed to bridging the gap between contemporary photography and the age-old traditions of the Kumbh Mela. Through these initiatives, we aim to support the artistic community while ensuring that the Mela’s spiritual significance is preserved for future generations.
Join us in documenting one of the world's most iconic spiritual events.
- Click here to participate in the Maha Kumbh Photography Contest.
- Click here to register for Photo Walks, Photo Talks, and more.
