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Kulasai Dussehra 2024 - Street Photography Workshop

Physical Workshops

10 - 13 Oct 2024 (10 participants max)

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INTRODUCTION

India is the land of festivals. Thanks to its size, there is immense variety in the way religious events are celebrated in different parts of the country. Dusshera, for example, is celebrated completely differently whether you are in West Bengal, Gujarat or Delhi.

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One of the most unique ways in which this festival is celebrated happens in Kulasekharapatanam village of Tamil Nadu. The centuries-old Kulasai Dussehra is one such festival. Taking place at the Sri Mutharamman Temple.

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This festival has a range of unique and notable rituals such as:

  • Body Paint and Costumes: Devotees paint their bodies and dress up as various deities, including Goddess Lalithambigai. This colorful practice symbolizes their devotion and connection to the divine.

  • Fire Walking: A daring ritual where devotees walk barefoot over a bed of burning embers. It signifies their faith and fearlessness, as they believe the goddess protects them from harm.

  • Kavadi Attam: Devotees carry kavadis (ornate wooden or metal structures) on their shoulders, adorned with flowers and peacock feathers. They dance energetically to rhythmic beats, expressing their gratitude and seeking blessings.

 

If you are a photographer passionate about the unique culture of India, join our photography workshop during Kulasai Dasara.

 

This workshop is designed to provide you with the opportunity to explore the multiple facets of this incredible festival, while being mentored by 2 photographers who have extensive experience covering and documenting a wide range of festivals across India through their unique eyes.

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From witnessing interesting ceremonies to documenting the faith of the devotees, we will provide you with the right environment for you to experience and capture the spirit and essence of this timeless tradition and go back home with wonderful memories and stunning photographs.

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This workshop is open to enthusiasts of all levels. Join a group of like-minded photographers to witness a life-changing experience. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to be part of the Kulasai Dasara workshop in October 2024.

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Shot by Sreeranj

 WHAT YOU WILL TAKE BACK     

  • You will learn how to capture the magic of authentic traditions.

  • You will learn how to approach a complex scene and create compelling images out of it.

  • You will witness the faith and interact with countless people from all parts of India and the world.

  • You will connect with a group of like-minded people who share the same passion as you.

  • You will take back memories of a once-in-a-lifetime experience.


PREREQUISITE

  1. Laptop with photo-editing software.

  2. A good pair of shoes.

  3. Camera with preferably a small lens and extra batteries.

  4. Videoconferencing via Google Meet for the theory session.

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Shot by Sreeranj

DETAILED PLANNING
 

Day 0 (date will be shared with the workshop participants) - 3h:

A few days before the workshop (date to be confirmed), we will host an introductory session on street photography. 

This session will take place online (via GMeet) and will last 3 hours.

 

Day 1 (10/10/2024) – by evening

  • Arrival to guesthouse.

  • Meet and greet, dinner

 

Day 2 (11/10/2024)

  • 7.00 am have breakfast and then head to the villages where the people dress up.

  • Lunch from village and then head to the main temple

  • Shoot inside the temple for dramatic scenes and outside

  • 8 pm return to hotel / dinner and rest.

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​Day 3 (12/10/2024)

  • After breakfast we visit the villages again to shoot the preparation and some rituals there.

  • Lunch and then head to the main temple for main rituals there.

  • Shoot until night. TBD when to return to hotel.

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Day 4 (13/10/2024)

  • Early morning shoot,

  • Wrap-up & End of workshop. 

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NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS

The workshop is limited to 10 people on a first come first serve basis.

This ensures that the mentors will be able to spend time with each student individually and provide adequate feedback during the walks.

The participant's seat will be confirmed as soon as the payment is made.

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Shot by Sreeranj

PRICE

  • Rs 10000 (Indian residents)

  • US$ 220 (International participants)

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What's included?

  • Workshop charges

  • A list of resources on street photography along with 7 e-books (worth 5000 INR)

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What's excluded?

  • Travel to Kulasekharapatnam

  • Food

  • Accommodation

  • Any other private expenses

 

PAYMENT

  • For local residents:

    • Google Pay: UPI ID: suresh.naganathan@okhdfcbank or sreeranj@oksbi

  • For international participants only:

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CANCELLATION POLICY

  • Within 1 week from the payment day: 75% refund

  • Within 2 weeks from the payment day: 50% refund

  • More than 2 weeks after payment: no refund

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Shot by Sreeranj

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