Stories

Photo Essays

Long-form visual narratives

These essays are the slow work — projects that unfold over months or years, combining photography with reporting, observation, and time. Each one begins with a question I cannot answer quickly, and ends with something closer to understanding than resolution.

The subjects are drawn from South Asia and beyond: communities under pressure, cultural practices at a threshold, the textures of ordinary life made visible through sustained attention.

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Gajan Festival cover
Documentary
March 2024·Kolkata, West Bengal, India

Gajan Festival

Faith, devotion and raw human expression at the end of the Bengali year

Gajan is a powerful expression of devotion that marks the end of the Bengali year. Dedicated to Shiva, Kali and Dharmaraj, the festival reaches its peak during Charak Puja. In Kolkata, particularly around Kalighat Temple, devotees embody Kali, transforming themselves into powerful symbols of Shakti, faith and raw human emotion. Through ritual, colour, movement and intense expressions, Gajan becomes more than a religious celebration—it becomes a vivid portrait of Bengal’s living cultural heritage.

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Entangled cover
Documentary
October, 2026·West bengal, India

Entangled

A study of identity, livelihood and the systems that shape us.

This photograph goes beyond documenting a fisherman; it becomes a reflection on identity, labour and survival. The fishing net is more than a tool. It becomes a metaphor for the economic, social and family systems that shape our lives. The fisherman appears almost absorbed into the net—his face visible, yet partly concealed. He does not simply hold the net; he seems to become part of it. The vast white space suggests uncertainty, freedom and an unknown future. The image asks a simple question: How much of our identity belongs to us, and how much is shaped by the systems we depend on? Though rooted in the life of a fisherman in India, the idea is universal. We all live within different kinds of nets—some sustain us, some define us, and some can hold us back.

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A Proud Milestone in My Photography Journey cover
Documentary
2025·Delhi

A Proud Milestone in My Photography Journey

Honoured to receive this recognition at the HT Leadership Summit 2025

Receiving the First Prize in the River of My Country category at the HT Leadership Summit 2025 was a deeply special moment in my photographic journey. Being honoured by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India made the recognition even more meaningful. Behind this moment are years of travelling, learning, observing and telling stories through my lens. I’m grateful to everyone who has believed in my work, encouraged me and stood beside me throughout this journey. This award is not an ending, but another beginning — inspiring me to keep creating, keep exploring and keep telling stories with honesty and heart.

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When a Portrait 
Becomes a Mirror cover
Documentary
March 2024·Kolkata, West Bengal, India

When a Portrait Becomes a Mirror

A photography exhibition where residents of a Kolkata slum saw their own portraits for the very first time. Category

For many of the people in this community, this was the first time they had ever seen a professionally printed photograph of themselves. What began as a portrait exhibition became a celebration of identity, dignity, and belonging—reminding us that being seen can be a powerful form of recognition.

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Children of Uchapota cover
Documentary
March 2024·

Children of Uchapota

In this village in West Bengal, childhood moves through narrow lanes, shared courtyards, and unfinished thresholds. Older children carry younger ones. Games emerge from dust, light, and whatever is at hand. Life appears fragile, yet full of invention.

Children of Uchapota In this village in West Bengal, childhood moves through narrow lanes, shared courtyards, and unfinished thresholds. Older children carry younger ones. Games emerge from dust, light, and whatever is at hand. Life appears fragile, yet full of invention. These pictures are less about poverty than about proximity—how people remain close to one another, how care circulates almost unnoticed, how childhood persists within uncertainty. In places often defined from outside by lack, there are also forms of abundance: touch, dependence, play, and the quiet architecture of belonging. This work is a reflection on those small, enduring structures of human connection.

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Finding Family in Unlikely Companions cover
Documentary
October, 2020·

Finding Family in Unlikely Companions

Inspirational Journey of Sundar Rajbangshi

In a quaint village nestled amidst the lush greenery, not far from the bustling city of Kolkata, lived an 80-year-old man named Sundar Rajbongshit. Despite his age, Sundar possessed a radiant energy that defied time. He had spent a significant portion of his life working tirelessly, first in a private job and then toiling on his farm to ensure a bright future for his four sons and three daughters. Sundar’s dedication knew no bounds as he lovingly raised his children, providing for their needs and nurturing their dreams. His heart overflowed with joy as he watched them grow and eventually find their own paths in marriage. He was content, believing that the love he sowed would be reciprocated in his twilight years. However, as the years passed, Sundar found himself slowly fading from the forefront of his children’s lives. They became immersed in their own families and responsibilities, leaving him feeling forgotten and alone. The void in his heart grew deeper, and both his physical and mental well-being began to suffer. One day, consumed by an inexplicable urge to seek solace, Sundar embarked on a journey, following an inner compass that led him far away from the bustling city. He ventured into the heart of the countryside until he stumbled upon a quaint fishery village. There, he met a compassionate man who owned the fishery and extended a warm hand of friendship. With a heart heavy with the weight of loneliness, Sundar expressed his desire to contribute to the village and offered his services in exchange for food and shelter. Touched by the old man’s earnestness, the fishery owner welcomed Sundar with open arms, recognizing the wealth of experience and wisdom he brought with him. As the days turned into weeks, Sundar immersed himself in the rhythm of the fishery village. He woke up at the crack of dawn, working side by side with the villagers to care for the fishery in an honest and dedicated manner. To everyone’s amazement, Sundar’s age seemed like a mere number as he remained free from illness, devoid of any need for medication. The magic of the village did not end there. As Sundar found himself embraced by the simplicity of rural life, he discovered a new family in the most unexpected of companions – ten street dogs and a friendly cat. They became his loyal confidants and playmates, showering him with unconditional love and companionship. Sundar’s heart swelled with gratitude and joy as he realized that these animals had become his family, filling the void left by his distant human relatives. The unconditional love they offered was a healing balm for his soul, mending the wounds of neglect and isolation. The dogs accompanied him on his daily chores, and the cat would curl up next to him at night, keeping him warm in the chilly hours. Living in a modest cottage, miles away from any human habitation, Sundar felt more at home than he ever did surrounded by walls filled with people. He had discovered a profound truth – that family transcends blood ties and can be found in the hearts of those who cherish and accept us for who we are. As time passed, Sundar became an integral part of the village, and his story began to spread beyond its borders. People marveled at the incredible transformation that had taken place in him. Sundar’s beaming smile and infectious laughter became a symbol of hope and inspiration for everyone who heard his tale. In the embrace of nature and the love of his newfound family, Sundar had found the elixir of life – one that enriched his spirit and revitalized his weary body. The once-lost old man had become a beacon of light for those seeking meaning and purpose in their own lives. And so, in the quaint fishery village, Sundar Rajbongshit lived on, forever grateful for the blessings life had bestowed upon him. With each passing day, he proved that love, compassion, and the joy of simple connections could heal even the deepest wounds, reminding us all that the essence of life lies not in material possessions, but in the love we share and the connections we forge. Anjan ghosh

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Makar Sankranti Bliss and Holy Transformations Amid Freezing Devotion cover
Documentary
January 2024·West Bengal,India

Makar Sankranti Bliss and Holy Transformations Amid Freezing Devotion

Makar Sankranti at Gangasagar, devotees immerse themselves in the sacred waters, participate in Holi rituals, and undergo a profound spiritual transformation.

Ganges Reverie: Makar Sankranti Bliss and Holy Transformations Amid Freezing Devotion : In the early hours of Makar Sankranti at Gangasagar, devotees immerse themselves in the sacred waters, participate in Holi rituals, and undergo a profound spiritual transformation. Despite the chilly and freezing weather, they fervently change into fresh attire. Their deep devotion is evident as they endure the cold, expressing heartfelt wishes for the fulfillment of all desires, seeking happiness and a peaceful life not only for themselves but for the entire world.

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Matua's Sacred Journey  cover
Documentary
August 2022·West Bengal, India

Matua's Sacred Journey

Rolling Devotion

Devotees of the Matua community, bound by deep faith, gather for their annual Maha Mela. To honor their beliefs, they roll over a rough road as an act of devotion and surrender, connecting with the teachings of their founder, Shri Harichand Thakur. This tradition symbolizes their resilience, unity, and unwavering commitment to their faith. As they navigate the challenging path, the act becomes a powerful metaphor for life's journey, reminding them that challenges can be overcome with steadfast devotion and the strength of their community bonds

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Frozen Devotion cover
Documentary
January, 2024·West Bengal, India

Frozen Devotion

Faith in the Cold Waters of the Ganges

Before sunrise, the Ganges disappears into fog. Bare feet touch the freezing water. Bodies wrapped in thin cloth move slowly through the mist. Some pray. Some bathe. Some simply endure the cold. At Gangasagar, Makar Sankranti is not only a festival. It is an act of faith. For many devotees, the icy water carries something deeper—a hope for purification, blessings, renewal and a better life. I stood among them with my camera, watching faith become visible in the cold: in trembling hands, wet clothes, tired faces and silent prayers. Nothing staged. Nothing performed. Just faith, endurance and humanity in the winter mist. — Anjan Ghosh

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Between Childhood And Survival cover
Photo Essay
July 2026·West Bengal, India

Between Childhood And Survival

Children grow up surrounded by things they never chose.

Water, work, tradition, poverty, and family shape the rhythm of their everyday lives. In these moments, childhood takes different forms — sometimes playful, sometimes uncertain, and sometimes already carrying the weight of adulthood. These photographs are not only about hardship. They are about the people who live through it — their dignity, resilience, and the quiet strength with which they face each day.

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Across Cultures: A Creative Collaboration in Cologne cover
Photo Essay
March 2020·Cologne, Germany

Across Cultures: A Creative Collaboration in Cologne

An artistic dialogue between India and Germany through photography, people and visual storytelling.

Art has the power to connect people beyond language, geography and culture. My collaboration with Thyra Holst in Cologne, Germany, was a beautiful meeting of two creative perspectives. Coming from India, my photographic practice is deeply connected with people, everyday life, culture and human stories. Thyra brings her own artistic vision and European perspective. Together, our collaboration created a visual dialogue between India and Germany. The exhibition became more than simply a presentation of photographs. It was an opportunity to share stories, exchange ideas and discover how different cultures can find common ground through art. For me, photography has always been about people and connection. Meeting Thyra and presenting our creative work together in Cologne was another meaningful step in that journey.

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