Festival Photography Tour India Pictures and Guide

This is a comprehensive list of festival photography opportunities in India. 

Please note that the same festival is celebrated in an entirely different way in another part of India. The date might be the same, but it might have another name.

 

There are hundreds of festivals that you can shoot. It will take an entire life to document them. I have personally documented 88 different festivals. I had to go to some of them again as I missed some aspects of the festival because I was busy capturing another aspect. 

1. Dev Diwali in Varanasi (November)

Diwali, is by far my most favorite festival to shoot in India. Known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most significant Hindu festivals. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The festival marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana.

Diwali is a more personal event which people celebrate in their own homes and hence difficult to photograph. There is another version of Diwali called the Dev Diwali or Dev Deepawali which happens on the full moon day or the Hindu month of Kartik. 

Place: If you go to Dev Diwali in Varanasi, you will see all the ghats (river banks) being lit up with thousands of earthen lamps. 

States: Celebrated all over India.

Celebration: The festival is celebrated by lighting oil lamps (diyas) and candles around homes, bursting fireworks, decorating houses with rangoli, and exchanging sweets and gifts. Prayers and rituals are conducted to honor the gods and goddess.

Photographer's Opportunities: In Varanasi, the Hindu monks and many visitors light up the lams on the banks of the river. Capture the intricate rangoli designs, and the joy and excitement on people’s faces. 

2. Holi in Mathura (Nandgaon, Barsana and Vrindavan) (March)

About: Holi, the Festival of Colors, celebrates the arrival of spring and the festival of fertility.  It commemorates the burning and destruction of the demoness Holika, which was made possible through unwavering devotion to Lord Vishnu.

Place: If you want to witness the best version of Holi, you must go to Mathura.

States: Celebrated all over India, with notable celebrations in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and West Bengal.

Celebration: The festival involves people throwing colored powders and water at each other, dancing, singing, and feasting. Bonfires are lit the night before Holi to symbolize the burning of Holika, and the day is marked by a free-for-all carnival of colors.

Photographer's Opportunities: Expect dynamic, colorful scenes with people drenched in vibrant hues. Capture the spontaneous joy and energy of participants, the street processions, and the playful atmosphere. Protective gear for your camera is recommended to shield it from water and colors.

Caution: Keep your camera safe from water and colours by using a proper cover.

3. Durga Puja in Kolkata (September-October)

About: Durga Puja celebrates the victory of goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. It is a major festival for Bengali Hindus.

States: Prominently celebrated in West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, and Bihar.

Celebration: These pujas or worship are mostly called Sarbojanin or public. Initially, it was done by some of the very rich people in their houses but later it was made open to the public. Money is collected, everyone in the locality contributes and elaborate pandals (temporary structures) housing beautifully crafted idols of Durga. Devotees perform rituals, offer prayers, and partake in cultural performances and feasts. The festivities culminate in the immersion of the idols in water bodies.

Photographer's Opportunities: Right from making of the idols in Kumartuli (potters town) to the Visarjan (submerging the goddess in the river) there are many things to be captured. This festival requires 10 days and still you will not be satisfied. There is so much going on. Apart from shooting in the rural areas where the worship is very modest yet beautiful, you can also go to the royal palaces of the Zamindars where you will see more opulent celebrations. The Dhunuchi (smoky lamp) Dance is one of the most interesting things to shoot.

Capture intricate idols, artistic pandals, cultural performances, and the grandeur of the celebrations, especially in Kolkata. The vibrancy of the rituals and the community gatherings offer numerous photographic opportunities.

4. Navratri in Ahmedabad or Baroda (September-October)

About: Navratri is a nine-night festival dedicated to the goddess Durga, celebrating her victory over the demon Mahishasura. Each day of Navratri is associated with one of the nine forms of Durga.

States: Celebrated widely in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.

Celebration: The festival includes fasting, prayers, and Garba and Dandiya Raas dances. People dress in traditional attire and participate in community dance events every night.

Photographer's Opportunities: Expect vibrant costumes, energetic dance performances, and the devotion of the participants. Night shots of dance events with colorful lighting and swirling costumes can be very captivating.

5. Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai (August-September)

About: Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles (vighnaharta) and the god of wisdom and prosperity. The festival spans 10 days, ending with the immersion of Ganesha idols in water.

States: Prominently celebrated in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.

Celebration: The festival involves the installation of Ganesha idols in homes and public pandals, performing prayers and rituals, and organizing processions for the immersion of the idols in water bodies.

This is both a public and private celebration. A lot of families bring smaller idols of Ganesha while larger organizations bring huge idols. It is good to document a private puja after requesting a family as well as the large idols.

Photographer's Opportunities: Capture colorful idols, lively processions, devotional fervor, and the grand immersion ceremonies. The final day’s processions at Girgaum Chowpaty (beach), with their music, dance, and throngs of devotees, provide excellent photographic moments. It goes on will morning. 

Take note of the important dates - the day the god is brought home or established, the different days of immersion and shoot them. The last day of Visarjan is the most engaging. 

6. Pongal in Madurai (January)

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About: Pongal is a harvest festival celebrated by Tamil farmers to thank the Sun God for agricultural abundance. It marks the beginning of the sun’s northward journey (Uttarayanam).

States: Tamil Nadu

Celebration: Celebrated over four days, Pongal includes cooking rice dishes, decorating cattle, performing traditional dances, and creating rangoli. The main dish, also called Pongal, is cooked and offered to the Sun God.

Photographer's Opportunities: Capture traditional attires, colorful kolams (rangoli), rural landscapes, and the joyous community celebrations. The sight of decorated cattle and traditional dance performances are particularly photogenic.

7. Onam in Kerala (August-September)

About: Onam is a harvest festival celebrated in Kerala, marking the homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali. It is a time for family reunions and communal harmony.

States: Kerala

Celebration: The festival is marked by flower carpets (pookalam), boat races, traditional dances, music, and a grand feast called Onasadya, which includes a variety of vegetarian dishes.

Photographer's Opportunities: Capture the floral decorations, boat races, traditional dance forms like Kathakali, and the festive feast. The vibrant pookalam designs and cultural performances provide excellent visual appeal.

8. Eid-ul-Fitr in Delhi, Agra or Hyderabad (Varies based on lunar calendar)

About: Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. It is a time for gratitude, charity, and community celebrations.

States: Celebrated all over India, especially in Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Kerala.

Celebration: The festival begins with a special prayer at mosques and eidgahs, followed by feasting, giving of alms (Zakat), and visiting friends and family.

Photographer's Opportunities: Capture the  prayers - they are very spectacular. 

Find the popular mosques like the Jama Masjid in Delhi, Taj Mahal  in Agra, Mecca Masjid and Qutab Shahi tombs in Hyderabad. 

You will get some amazing shots when all the people come to pray wearing their new white clothes in perfect order.

9. Christmas in Mumbai or Goa (December)

About: Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is a major festival for Christians in India. It is a time for joyous celebrations, family gatherings, and charitable activities.

States: Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and all over India.

Celebration: The festival is celebrated with midnight masses, decorated Christmas trees, carol singing, and exchanging of gifts. Homes and churches are beautifully decorated with lights and nativity scenes.

Photographer's Opportunities: Find the popular churches in the places and shoot the festivities from midnight mass to the meeting of families. 

10. Makar Sankranti in Prayagraj (Allahabad) or Uttarayan in Ahmedabad (January)

About: Makar Sankranti celebrates the sun's transition into Capricorn, marking the end of winter and the beginning of longer days. It is a harvest festival observed across India. 

This festival is celebrated with different names in different parts of the country but on the same date.

States: All over India.

Celebration: Known for kite flying, bonfires, and traditional sweets made from sesame and jaggery. Each state has its unique customs and traditions for celebrating this festival.

Photographer's Opportunities: 

In Prayagraj, its like a mini Kumbh Mela - the largest congregation on earth. You will get to see thousands of people taking bath at the sangam (confluence) of rivers Ganga and Yamuna. 

In Ahmedabad, the skies filled with colorful kites, community gatherings, and festive bonfires provide excellent photographic opportunities. Its a great sight to see.

11. Janmashtami in Mathura / Dahi Handi in Mumbai(August)

About: Janmashtami celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. It is a major festival for Hindus, marked by fasting, prayers, and devotional singing.

States: Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and all over India.

Celebration: The festival involves fasting, singing, dancing, and enactments of Krishna's life, known as Ras Lila or Krishna Lila. Temples and homes are decorated, and devotees stay up all night.

Photographer's Opportunities: You will see a lot of kids dressed as Krishna going to school in public places. Capture them.

In Mumbai and Pune, there are lots of competitions to fetch a pot of yogurt hanging at a height using a rope. There are many groups of people who create a human arrangement like cards on top of each other to get to the top and fetch the pot. It is very difficult and is a great opportunity to shoot.

12. Maha Shivaratri in Varanasi (February-March)

About: Maha Shivaratri honors Lord Shiva and is observed by fasting, night-long vigils, and rituals. It is believed that on this night, Shiva performed the Tandava, a cosmic dance of creation and destruction.

States: Celebrated all over India, especially in Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.

Celebration: Devotees fast, stay awake all night, and perform rituals and prayers. Temples are decorated, and special pujas (prayer rituals) are conducted.

Photographer's Opportunities: Capture the devotion of the participants, temple rituals, and the unique night-long vigil atmosphere. The decorated temples and the spiritual fervor of the devotees provide excellent photographic opportunities. There are many places where people dress like Shiva and walk around in the streets. Many naga sadhus walk around in processions in Varanasi.

13. Hemis Festival in Leh (June-July)

About: Hemis Festival celebrates the birth of Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. It is held at the Hemis Monastery in Ladakh. There are several festivals in Ladakh. Every monastery has an annual festival called Gustor at a particular time of the year mostly in June and July. 

The Hemis monastery being the richest, has more elaborate and ostentatious. 

States: Ladakh

Celebration: The festival includes mask dances called Chaam, prayers, and traditional music at Hemis Monastery. Monks perform Cham dances, wearing elaborate masks and costumes.

Photographer's Opportunities: Capture monastic rituals, vibrant mask dances, and the stunning Himalayan backdrop. The colorful costumes and the serene monastery setting offer great photographic opportunities. 

14. Gudi Padwa in Mumbai (March-April)

About: Gudi Padwa marks the Marathi New Year and the onset of spring. It is a time for new beginnings and is considered an auspicious day.

States: Maharashtra

Celebration: The festival is marked by the hoisting of Gudi flags outside homes, traditional food, and cultural programs. The Gudi flag, decorated with flowers and cloth, symbolizes victory and prosperity. The festival is celebrated in different ways in the rural areas and in the cities. In Mumbai, the most interesting thing to see is the procession of women bikers wearing their traditional sarees, Motyanchi Nath (traditional Marathi nose ring), etc.

Photographer's Opportunities: Capture the colorful procession, the huge rangoli, traditional attire, and festive celebrations. The cultural programs and family gatherings in the villages offer great candid shots.

These festivals not only reflect India's cultural richness but also offer photographers a unique opportunity to capture the essence of vibrant traditions, rituals, and joyous celebrations across the country.

Tips for photographers

• Plan Ahead: Research the festival, its key events, and timings. Knowing the schedule helps you be in the right place at the right time.

• Understand the Culture: Learn about the significance of the festival. Understanding the customs and rituals allows you to anticipate important moments.

• Use Natural Light: Festivals are vibrant and colorful. Utilize natural light to enhance the richness of colors and capture authentic moments.

• Get Close to the Action: Don’t be afraid to get close to your subjects. Capture their expressions, emotions, and interactions to tell a compelling story.

• Shoot in Burst Mode: Festivals are full of movement. Use burst mode to capture multiple frames and increase your chances of getting the perfect shot.

• Play with Angles: Experiment with different angles and perspectives. Low angles can make processions look grander, while high angles can capture the scale of large gatherings.

• Capture Candid Moments: Look for spontaneous, unposed moments that reflect the true spirit of the festival.

• Use a Fast Shutter Speed: To capture fast-moving action, such as dances or processions, use a fast shutter speed to avoid blur.

• Use slow Shutter Speed: Once you are doing with your normal shots, experiment as much as possible. Try zoom burst using slow shutter speeds, try panning, try capturing the action in slow speed, blur your subject. Sometimes, experimenting will give you some very unique shots.

• Respect the Participants: Be respectful and mindful of people’s personal space. Seek permission if necessary, especially in intimate or sacred settings.

• Edit Thoughtfully: Post-processing can enhance your images. Adjust the brightness, contrast, and saturation to make the colors pop while keeping the scene natural.

Note: If you want a customized tour anywhere in India focused on Photography, I will be happy to organise it for you.

More Festival Pictures

See my pictures of festivals in better resolution here .

(for computer users)

Thanksgiving

Thanks to all the participants who joined me for the tours.

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