Bhubaneswar: An exclusive three-day photo exhibition, organised by the PNV Foundation, showcasing the spiritual and cultural grandeur of the Maha Kumbh Mela, as captured by renowned photojournalist Rakesh Roul at Jayadev Bhawan in Bhubaneswar on Monday.
Supported by My City Links, Odisha Links, Bocca Café, and Prelude, the exhibition offers a stunning visual narrative of one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.
The exhibition will run until February 26, 2025.
Open to the public, it provides a unique opportunity to witness the vibrancy of rituals, the devotion of pilgrims, and the breathtaking moments of the Maha Kumbh Mela through a compelling series of photographs.
“The Maha Kumbh Mela is a profound tapestry of spirituality and culture. Through my lens, I hope to capture the emotions and stories that unfold during this magnificent event. It was a hectic yet once-in-a-lifetime experience for me and our whole photojournalist community from Odisha. Capturing any event always comes with new challenges, but while documenting the Maha Kumbh, those challenges can come from any direction amid its grand gathering,” said Rakesh Roul, photo journalist.
“I remember we had to stay in the freezing water for hours, with only our heads, hands, and cameras out of the water. That was really hard, but seeing the output of our work made us forget all our pain. I hope those who couldn’t make it to the mela can feel its essence through these pictures,” he added.
“We are thrilled to present this exhibition, which reflects our commitment to promoting cultural heritage and visual storytelling. It’s an honor to showcase Rakesh’s incredible work. He has been associated with us for years and has captured some exceptionally beautiful moments at the mela. Through this exhibition, we aim to highlight this cultural heritage, and we are happy with the positive responses and rave reviews from our visitors,” said Satyabrat Sanu Ratho, Director of PNV Foundation.
Visitors are invited to Jaydev Bhawan to experience this immersive visual journey, celebrating the spiritual and cultural significance of the Maha Kumbh Mela.