Indian festivals | Asian Photography India

When you imagine festivals, especially in India, all you can see is a wall of colours. They’re vibrant, highly energetic and it is really easy to get overwhelmed by all the colours around you, sometimes making it difficult to pick and choose what to shoot. And this is where you can do something while shooting that will change your perspective and give you an opportunity to fine-tune your technical and storytelling prowess—shoot black and white. Yes, colours can sometimes be distracting, so you can choose to shoot them—however, it’s not as easy as changing the colour profile to monochrome and going on about the day. In this article we’ll illustrate why monochrome might be the solution to your stagnant photography style, how it might help you elevate your storytelling skills and more.

The Power of Monochrome

Black and white photography has long been a staple of documentary and fine art photography, allowing the photographer to distill the essence of a moment, unencumbered by the distractions of colour. In the context of Indian festivals, this monochrome aesthetic can be particularly effective in capturing the emotional resonance of these events. By eliminating the riot of colours that often characterises these celebrations, black and white photography can focus the viewer’s attention on the faces, expressions, and body language of the participants, revealing the underlying emotions that drive these festivities.

Capturing Emotion in the Moment

Indian festivals are, by their very nature, emotional experiences. Whether it’s the fervour of a Durga Puja pandal, the reverent atmosphere of a Ganesh Chaturthi procession, or the unbridled joy of a Holi celebration, these events are characterised by intense emotions—devotion, excitement, elation, and sometimes, even sadness. Black and white photography is uniquely suited to capturing these emotions, as it allows the photographer to freeze the moment, revealing the subtleties of human expression that might be lost in a colour image.

Conveying the Intimacy of the Moment

One of the key advantages of black and white photography is its ability to convey a sense of intimacy and immediacy. By removing the distractions of colour, the viewer is drawn into the image, forced to focus on the subject’s expression, posture, and surroundings. In the context of Indian festivals, this can be particularly effective in capturing the quiet moments—a young girl’s reverent gaze as she prays to the goddess, an elderly man’s tears of joy as he watches his grandchildren celebrate Holi, or a couple’s tender exchange as they participate in a traditional wedding ritual.

Highlighting Social and Cultural Narratives

Indian festivals are not just emotional experiences; they are also deeply rooted in the country’s social and cultural fabric. Black and white photography can be used to highlight these underlying narratives, revealing the complex dynamics that shape these celebrations. For instance, a photograph of a group of women performing a traditional dance during a Navratri celebration can convey the sense of community and solidarity that defines these events, while an image of a young boy watching a Ram Lila performance can capture the passing down of cultural traditions from one generation to the next.

The Technical Challenges

While black and white photography can be a powerful tool for capturing the emotional essence of Indian festivals, it is not without its technical challenges. In particular, the high-contrast lighting that often characterises these events can be difficult to manage, requiring the photographer to be skilled in capturing a wide dynamic range. Additionally, the fast-paced nature of these celebrations demands a high degree of technical proficiency, as the photographer must be able to work quickly and decisively to capture the fleeting moments that define these events.

You NEED to know your gear through-and-through. Run through some scenarios beforehand because moments happen on the field in a split second which might not happen again. Or if your intent is to shoot in a photojournalistic style, then that particular moment is gone, and can’t be recreated. Carry a flash on your camera and keep it off because there are situations where you might need to use it as a fill, and reaching out for it during the moment means it’ll be gone before you’re ready to shoot.

Tips To Shoot

Focus on capturing raw emotions rather than just the grandeur of the event. The viewer’s eye is drawn to expressions, gestures, and contrasts, so pay attention to faces in prayer, laughter, or deep concentration. Frame your shots around storytelling moments—a wrinkled hand holding Diyas, children’s wide-eyed wonder during processions, or the solemnity of devotees in crowded temples. Here are a few tips:

Composition Tips

Get close and frame tight on faces, hands, or eyes—details reveal emotion more powerfully in B&W.
Use leading lines from Rangolis, temple architecture, or procession paths to guide attention toward subjects.
Look for layering—foreground silhouettes, middle-ground action, and background context—to give depth.
Negative space (like smoke, sky, or plain walls) can isolate emotion-filled subjects effectively.

Technique Tips

Shoot in Monochrome profile (or simulation) but shoot RAW alongside JPEG. This gives you full control over tonal adjustments in post, while giving you a taste of the final product.
Use spot metering on faces to preserve emotional highlights without being distracted by bright decorations. The most important detail you want to see is the locus of the story you want to tell.
Leverage shadows and high-contrast light to create drama, don’t shy away from underexposing slightly. This also helps preserve details in the highlights while increasing dynamic range.
Work with wider apertures (f/1.8–f/2.8) to blur distractions in chaotic festival environments. But don’t shy away from using deep depth of field (f/4-f/8) and use deep, layered compositions to describe more of the scene.
Anticipate emotion. Observe rhythms of rituals or processions so you’re ready when moments happen.
Switch to continuous low burst mode and turn on pre-capture, because perhaps your timing of pressing the button might not be right, but you’ll still preserve the moment.

Gear Tips

A fast prime lens (35mm or 50mm f/1.4) is excellent for intimate, emotion-driven shots. The 35 especially gives you ample opportunity to capture emotions and depth while also preserving the background without distortion from wide-angle lenses.
A zoom (24-70mm/24-105mm) helps adapt quickly in crowded festival settings without losing the moment.
If shooting handheld in low light, a camera/lens with good stabilisation will help avoid motion blur. Combine this with faster lenses for tack sharp shots.
Consider using smaller camera setups. You might not get enough space, so big bodies and long lenses won’t be the best choice to shoot, especially in tight spaces.
A circular polariser can sometimes help control reflections and enhance textures, useful even for B&W conversions. Better to have it and not want it vs want it and not have it.

What’s Next?

Indian festivals are a riot of colours, sounds, and emotions that can be both exhilarating and overwhelming, easily overwhelming your senses. However, by using black and white photography, it is possible to strip away the distractions of colour and tap into the raw emotions that underlie these joyous occasions. Whether it’s capturing the intimacy of a quiet moment, highlighting the social and cultural narratives that shape these celebrations, or simply conveying the unbridled joy of a festive occasion, black and white photography offers a powerful tool for storytelling, one that can reveal the deeper, more poignant truths that lie beneath the surface of these vibrant events. As we continue to navigate the complexities of Indian culture and society, the use of black and white photography to highlight emotion in Indian festivals offers a unique perspective, one that can help us connect with the very heart of these celebrations.

Roshani Shah is a street, festival, and cultural photographer with nearly a decade of experience documenting the vibrancy of Indian life. Her work captures the energy, emotions, and stories of people during festivals, rituals, and everyday moments, blending photojournalistic authenticity with creative storytelling. Through her lens, Roshani seeks to reveal the connections between communities, traditions, and the environment, creating images that resonate with people from all forms of life. Asian Photography spoke to her about festival photography experiences, preparation, unique spectacles and more. Excerpts:

How Did Your Pursuit Of Photographing Festivals Begin?

My journey with festival photography began with Ganpati celebrations in Mumbai, and soon after, the Pushkar Camel Fair in 2017. Being in the midst of such vibrant crowds made me realise how diverse and beautiful India truly is—each region, each community, each tradition is so unique. What started as curiosity soon became a passion, because festivals gave me an opportunity to experience India beyond my immediate surroundings. They aren’t just events, they are living stories of people, culture, and emotion and that is what pulled me deeper into festival photography.

What Is Your Favourite Festival You’ve Shot So Far?

Ganpati has always been close to my heart. I’ve been documenting it for nearly a decade now, and every year it feels just as powerful and energising as the first. There’s an unmatched sense of positivity, the colours, the music, the smiles, the devotion. It’s a festival where you truly feel the city breathing in rhythm with its people.
Another festival that stands out for me is Pandharpur Wari. The warmth and openness of the people, the way they welcome you into their journey, and the respect and safety I’ve experienced as a woman photographer there makes me deeply connected to it. When you feel safe and grounded, your creativity expands, you stop worrying and start seeing more stories. The connection with these festivals are different, and that’s why Wari, alongside Ganpati, remains one of my absolute favourites.

What Is The Ratio Of Documentary/photojournalistic Photos To Creative Photos You Typically Shoot At A Festival?

I would say the ratio is about 50-50 between documentary-style photos and more creative photos. The documentary side comes into play mostly during cultural events or festivals, where I focus on capturing the in-depth essence of traditions, rituals, and the atmosphere. On the other hand, my creative work leans more towards street style and daily life whether it’s a minimalist approach or observing the everyday rhythm of people around us. Both approaches balance each other, and together they shape the way I tell stories through photography.

How Do You Prepare Mentally And Technically Before Attending A Large-scale Festival?

Preparation is both mental and technical. Mentally, I research and visualise the crowd, the flow, and the energy of the festival, this helps me get into the right headspace. Technically, I prepare everything down to the smallest detail: what gear to carry, how to protect my camera, what attire will allow me to blend and move freely in the crowd, even the placement of my bag (always in front in crowded areas). Every location demands its own approach, whether I’m blending into the colours of Rajasthan or preparing for the long walks of Wari, I make sure I’m comfortable enough to stay present and focus on capturing stories.

What Is The Most Unique Spectacle You’ve Witnessed And How Did You Capture It?

One of the most unforgettable spectacles I’ve seen was during a Ganpati festival in a village, to visually see the entire village come together in unity. Dozens of Ganpati idols were carried on people’s heads, all moving towards immersion. Just before the visarjan, they formed a huge circle, placed the idols in the center, and performed the final Aarti. The sight of hundreds of villagers in traditional attire, the glowing Diyas, the chants, the golden light, it was overwhelming. I barely had time to think, I just lifted my camera and clicked, making sure I didn’t miss that fleeting but extraordinary alignment of people, culture, and nature. That frame remains etched in my memory forever.

What Is One Thing You’d Do Differently If You Were To Start Over?

If I were to start over, I’d dive even deeper into the idea of connection earlier in my career. Over the years, my ongoing project “Diptych” has taught me how everything around us is interconnected from patterns to traditions, from rituals to human emotions. The more I travel and document festivals, the more I see these invisible threads tying people and places together.
Looking back, I realise that embracing this perspective earlier would have helped me refine my storytelling sooner. But at the same time, perhaps it was necessary to evolve gradually, to notice, and then to connect the dots through experience.

What Is Your Bucket Shot?

Varanasi has always given me countless frames, especially of the Ganga Aarti, which I’ve photographed from almost every possible angle. But one day, I challenged myself to see it differently to shift focus from the grand scene to the smaller, symbolic elements which they have in Aarti.
That’s when I created what I consider one of my bucket shots: a priest holding an incense stick, with a line of smoke rising perfectly in front of his eyes, almost as though it was drawn there intentionally. It was one of those microseconds that you can’t plan—not a moment before, not after—only then. For me, that photograph embodies the beauty of patience, timing, and observation, and it will always remain special.

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Using Black & White to Highlight Emotion in Indian Festivals