It is the largest human gathering in the world, drawing millions of devotees, onlookers and pilgrims over the course of eight weeks. The Kumbh Mela, currently underway in Prayagraj (Allahabad), rotates between the cities Haridwar, Nashik and Ujjain over a 12-year cycle.
- The camps ( akharas) are best for shooting the amazing-looking Nada sadhus
- Get a panoramic view of the entire Kumbh Mela from the New Yamuna Bridge
- The space near the sangam and the Allahabad Fort is best for shooting the locals
- Just walk around and get lost — it will get you some amazing images
Back in 2013 (the last time the Kumbh was in Prayagraj), the social media landscape was very different and photographs from the colourful event came largely from magazines and news outlets. Today, search for #KumbhMela2019 on Instagram, and you will find tens of thousands of stunning photographs, many of them from recreational shutterbugs on the ’gram. Photo tours timed to coincide with the auspicious dips in the river Ganges (the next one is on February 4) also abound.
If you are looking to capture some of the colour, crowds and splendour at the Kumbh this year, here are some tips from photographers who have been there, done that. Plus, apps to help you take the best photos, and guided tours so you can ace your Insta-game.
Apps on the go
Snapseed: This photo editor works better than Instagram filters. On Android and iOS
Shemaroo Bhakti App: An all-in-one guide to the festival, with maps, timings, weather updates and more. On Android
Quik by GoPro: To edit videos (ideally one-minute-long) easily on your phone and share directly on Instagram and YouTube. On Android and iOS
StoryArt: For about ₹800 per year, you will have access to all their templates (a few are available for free as well). Just pick a theme, add your photo or video and share it on Stories.
ProCam: is one of the best apps to shoot professional looking images. One of its coolest features is that it shoots in raw image format
A little help
Sign up for these guided photo tours for the highlights.
Indipix: Includes early morning shoots on the bathing dates and an option to stay in a luxury tent. February 2 to 5 and February 8 to 11. Prices start at ₹49,000. indipix.co.in. 7678588923
Indian Photo Tours: This guided photo-experience includes a master class led by award-winning photographer, Dheeraj Paul. February 2 to 5. indianphototours.com. 9910903636
Apratim Saha Photography: Mentored by an impressive array of photographers, including Jorge Delgado-Ureña (whose work has been featured in the New York Times ). February 7 to 17. Starting from ₹3.14 lakh. apratimsaha.com. 8509333385
For dates and details on this year’s Kumbh Mela, visit kumbh.gov.in
Abhishek Hajela, Nikon D800e and D700 and Olympus OMD EM1: Starting with Haridwar Maha Kumbh in 2010, he has photographed the Prayagraj and Ujjain Kumbh as well. He uses a mirrorless or a DSLR camera with two lenses — 24-70 mm and 70-200 mm, and recommends using a gimbal for mobile photography, especially for smooth videos to show the processions of saints, sadhus and locals going for a dip.
“Lens attachments for your phone (a wide and zoom are ideal) will be a great addition to your arsenal,” he adds. As for clothing, he recommends a light jacket for shooting early in the morning; and don’t forget comfortable walking shoes, as you might end up covering eight to 10 km a day.
“Carry ample small bills to give subjects who ask for money — I recommend carrying at least ₹8,000 to ₹ 10,000 in cash for this, as ATMs can be unreliable,” says Hajela.
A number of camps have been set up, offering everything from basic to luxury accommodation, and these will be the best places to stay, he says. “I will be at the Aagman India Camps — they are professional and provide value for money. Make sure you book beforehand.” On Instagram @imagesbyabhishek
Anindito Mukherjee, Nikon D500: This New Delhi-based documentary photographer visited the Maha Kumbh Mela in 2013 in Prayagraj. “The Kumbh presented me with not just thousands of believers in one place, but also recluse ascetics who have individually interesting stories.” Keep an eye out for the baths, or holy dips, advises Mukherjee.
While challenges include being in the right place at the right time (considering how spread out the event is), to make things easier, he says, “I use all the auto functions (on camera and iPhone) and concentrate on the subject more; that’s why it’s there.” He also does not look at reference images beforehand, as he feels that it narrows his own vision.
His biggest piece of advice? “Be responsible and respect the space of others. It is then that people tend to ignore me, allowing me close to capture them in their unguarded moments. Also, carry less gear — it increases maneuverability.” And, he adds, do not edit too much, as bigger file sizes might stall uploads in case of a slow Internet connection. On Instagram @aninditomukherjee
Ashima Narain,Sony A7RIII: “In 2013, I visited Allahabad late in February, after the rains had come, when many of the sadhus had to move on from the Kumbh grounds,” recalls the Mumbai-based photographer. Although she was initially upset at missing out on such iconic subjects, she went on to find images of “faith and humanity at its best”.
As with all naturally-lit photography, she says the best times to shoot is from 4 am to about 7 am, and then again from 4 pm to 8 pm. “Because of the nature of the festival and pilgrims coming for worship at all times, this really helps photographers because there is never a time that you can say there is nothing happening. At 3 am there are people bathing in the freezing cold water, fires are burning, people are wandering around,” she recalls.
In terms of equipment, it helps to have a fast lens and a camera with a sensor that is good in low light, but Narain recommends travelling light: “I took a tripod with me, but left it in my tent, and only used it after I had done a recce and found a location to set it up.” On Facebook @AshimaNarainPhotography
Rutavi Mehta, Canon 7D: Travelling solo to a crowded event like the Kumbh in Nashik required a lot of preparation as a woman photographer: appropriate clothing, emergency numbers on speed dial and reading up on what to expect. She used a telephoto lens (70-200 mm) most of the time — “Although I wanted great shots, I did not want to get right into the crowd” — and switched to a 50 mm prime for closer shots of friendly subjects.
She suggests carrying extra cash as almost everybody would ask for money when photographed. “Back in 2013, it was anything from ₹100 for a shot to ₹1,000 for a full-fledged photo shoot. Most are prepared to pose; approach them respectfully,” says Mehta.On Instagram @unicornindesert
