Kolkata X Gajan Festival Photo Tour

"The soul of Kolkata resides in its streets, where every corner has a story to tell and Gajan Festival is where the divine and the earthly intertwine in a mystical celebration."


Kolkata, often referred to as the "City of Joy," is renowned for its exuberant celebrations and deep-rooted traditions. Among its many vibrant festivals, Gajan holds a special place. Gajan is a unique Hindu festival that showcases a blend of devotion, artistic expressions, and exhilarating rituals. It is a time when the city comes alive with captivating processions, stunning performances, and fervent devotion.



Our Kolkata X Gajan Photography Tour provides a remarkable opportunity for photographers of all levels to capture the essence and beauty of the awe-inspiring streets of Kolkata and Gajan festival. Led by experienced and passionate photographer Shivam, this tour combines expert guidance with immersive cultural experiences, ensuring you not only capture incredible photographs but also gain a deep understanding of the street photography potential of Kolkata and the festival's significance.

Throughout the tour, you will witness the devoutness of the participants as they engage in age-old rituals and seek blessings from the deities. From the captivating processions through the streets to the mesmerising performances that showcase the region's rich cultural heritage, you will have the privilege to document the vibrant colours, emotions, and traditions that define Gajan.



Our carefully curated itinerary includes a photography tour of most photogenic spots of Kolkata along with visits to key Gajan celebration sites, allowing you to capture candid moments of devotion, cultural expressions, and the spirit of unity that permeates the festival. Whether it's the hustling bustling streets, daily chores of people on streets, enchanting dance forms, intricate rituals, or the sheer energy of the participants, every click of your camera will tell a story and preserve the magic of Gajan for eternity.
Furthermore, Shivam will provide valuable tips and techniques to enhance your skills, ensuring that you make the most of every photographic opportunity. Whether you are a beginner eager to learn the ropes or an experienced photographer seeking new perspectives, this tour offers a perfect blend of creativity, cultural immersion, and personal growth.

Who can join this tour:


This tour is suitable for photographers of all levels and photography enthusiasts who are passionate about capturing the essence of street photography, documentary photography and cultural celebrations. Basic knowledge of photography techniques and equipment is recommended to fully benefit from the tour.


Itinerary for Kolkata X Gajan Festival Photography Tour

Arrival - Day 0

  • Arrival at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport
  • Transfer to our heritage hotel in Kolkata
  • Explore the bustling streets, vibrant markets, chai stalls, and eateries near the hotel
  • Overnight stay in Kolkata

Day 1

  • Witness the mesmerising sunrise from the ghats along the Hooghly River
  • Observe priests and devotees offering prayers and bathing in the sacred waters
  • Capture reflections and activities unfolding as the tide recedes
  • Visit the charming Lebutalla neighbourhood in the evening.
  • Photograph the hand-pulled rickshaws and elegant backdrops of its streets
  • Immerse yourself in the local ambiance and capture the essence of daily life
  • Overnight stay in Kolkata

Day 2

  • Visit the Mullick Ghat Flower Market
  • Capture the kaleidoscope of colours as vibrant flowers are bought and sold
  • Experience the interplay of light and shadow under the bridges
  • Photograph the bustling market scenes and the dedicated vendors
  • Explore the metal market, witness workers carrying metalware, and play with light and shadow
  • Photograph the resilience and labour of these individuals
  • Explore the Kalighat neighbourhood in the evening.

Day 3

  • Streets of Burrabazar Area, Metal market, vibes of fruit market will give you a perfect opportunity to capture the essence of amazing labours in these areas.
  • Kumortuli, the bustling neighbourhood where artisans are working diligently to complete the clay idols for the festival.

Day 4

  • Morning visit to the outdoor wrestling hall near the Howrah Bridge
  • Capture environmental portraits and dynamic wrestling shots
  • Witness impressive displays of strength against the iconic backdrop
  • Evening visit Kumartoli neighbourhood, it is full of potters and clay sculptors
  • Observe the artists at work as they bring Hindu deities to life
  • Witness the process of idol-making and the dedication of the artisans
  • Photograph the transformation of clay into beautiful sculptures
  • Immerse yourself in the artistic creativity and symbolism of the area

Day 5

  • Drive to Bardhaman district and photograph famous face paintings done as part of the festival. Return to Kolkata and spend the night at the hotel.

Day 6

  • Travel to Murshidabad district. Arrive in the evening and rest. Prepare for shooting the Gajan festival rituals, processions, and ceremonies during the night.

Day 7

  • Capture the Gajan festival's rituals and ceremonies during the night. If energy permits, explore local villages during the day.

Day 8

  • Witness and photograph the mesmerising rituals of the Charak Festival, including the Charak dance and Charak Chhinnam.
  • Goodbye Dinner

Day 9

  • Back to home. You can checkout at 12 noon as your room will be booked till 15th 12 noon or extend your stay as per flight convenience on your expense if required.

Disclaimer : Private car and driver will be provided throughout the festival days for convenient travel between locations. The itinerary is subject to change based on local conditions and availability. The focus of this photography tour is to capture the intensity of Puja preparations, the vibrant Pandals, and various cultural experiences associated with the Durga Puja festival.


Tour Inclusions

  • Hotel Room (The Elgin Fairlawn or similar) accommodation in Kolkata (The Elgin Fairlawn or similar). Accommodation is at single occupancy you have your own room with a private ensuite.
  • Arrival and departure airport transfers in Kolkata.
  • Orientation Dinner, mineral water availability everytime, local snacks.
  • Mini-bus/ Van transport in Kolkata or private car.
  • Photography mentoring/guidance in street, documentary and travel photography by Shivam.
  • Local assistant/guide/fixer in Kolkata.
  • Gratuities

Tour Exclusions

  • Comprehensive travel insurance. All participants are required to take comprehensive travel insurance for this tour.
  • Flight to Kolkata.
  • Entry visa to India (around USD$25 for an eVisa if you're an Australian).
  • Photographic equipment. You will need to bring/supply your own cameras, lenses, batteries, filters, memory cards and so on. A tripod is not as such required for this tour but if you love to use them, you can bring them.
  • Insurance for your photographic equipment while on tour.
  • Travel vaccinations.
  • Alcoholic drinks.
  • All personal expenses and fees, including laundry, medication, incidental meals and snacks, minibar etc.
  • Any transport and fees outside of the tour itinerary.
  • An India sim card is available for AUD$25, which can be purchased on your behalf. Please advise when making a reservation if you would like to take up this option. The local sim card will allow you to connect to the Internet and make voice/video calls over IP. The card offers around 2GB of mobile data usage per day.