Maha Kumbh Mela Photography Tour cum Workshop – Prayagraj – 2025

Update: This batch is fully booked. Another batch is in February. More details here - https://parvezish.com/event/kumbh-mela-photography-workshop-february-2025/

Join me for a Maha Kumbh Mela photography tour cum workshop in Prayagraj – formerly Allahabad – where we will bear witness to the mass gathering of millions of people that takes place once every 12 years. Miss this chance and the next opportunity comes in 2037!

Organised by Parvez Shaikh. Contact: +91 9099 810 817 / Instagram: @parvezish

More details at - https://parvezish.com/to/kumbh

Overview

• Duration: 3 nights/4 days
• Small group size: Maximum 5 participants only
• Tour cum workshop: We travel together we learn together
• No hired models/sadhus to pose for us: Designed to keep us curious and encourage genuine interactions
• Photography styles: Travel photography documentary photography candid photography nighttime photography culture portraits photo story
• Discussion-based on-the-field practical learning
• One-on-one time given to each participant
• A personal project/theme is assigned to each participant to help them cultivate their perspective
• Constructive review and feedback on photographs
• We don’t talk about “equipment”. We focus on “photography” instead
• Designed to foster the spirit of travelling photographing and exploring together

What’s included

• Workshop fees
• 3 nights accommodation in deluxe tents on double-sharing basis. Priority will be to keep same gender participants together subject to registrations received
• Breakfast at the accommodation
• At least one morning or evening boat ride
• Guidance for developing a photo story on Kumbh Mela
• Constructive feedback on photographs
• Basic post processing
• One-on-one time to address personal queries
• Discussions on ethics do’s and don’ts religious and cultural significance of Kumbh Mela
• Tips on organising and backing up photographs
• Up to two weeks of personal support (online) post workshop regarding your questions and image review
• A minimum of 5% discount in the workshops conducted during the next one year
• Inclusion in a member-only online community where we continue to get exposed to photography and photographers

What’s not included

• Your travel to/from Prayagraj
• Your travel or visa costs to India
• Insurance
• Medical expense
• Entry fees/camera fees if any
• Drinks or extra bottled water
• Any extra meals not taken at the accommodation and not mentioned above
• Personal expenses gifts souvenirs etc.
• Tips/gratuities/gifts to guides servers drivers sadhus etc.
• Internal travel costs to and from the accommodation if any

Who can join

• The workshop is open to everyone who knows the basic operations of their camera. Whether you are an amateur serious enthusiast or professional you can join
• You can join if you are a visual arts or cultural studies student and want to join a group of travellers/photographers for a an opportunity to attend Kumbh Mela
• It’s ideal if you have some prior experience with unposed

Note

• You can confirm your spot by paying a deposit. The amount is used in securing accommodation as they fill up fast months before the Kumbh starts
• Remaining amount to be paid before 5th September – a reminder will be sent along with applicable amount to pay

Host or Publisher Parvez Shaikh