ASP Rakher Upobash At Bangladesh Photo Tour : 04-10 Nov 2024

 

Bangladesh  Photo Tour: Rakher Upobash and Rural Bangladesh

An ASP Venture

Mentor: Arun Saha
National Award Winning Photographer and Eminent Mentor

Date : 04-10 Nov 2024

Total Seats: 10

TOUR DETAILS :

A photography tour to Bangladesh can be an incredible experience for photographers. Bangladesh is a country known for its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant people, offering numerous opportunities for capturing stunning photographs. Rakher Upobash in Bangladesh is a visually captivating and spiritually significant festival. The tour during Rakher Upobash here can offer a unique opportunity to witness and capture the devotion, rituals, and cultural expressions of the Hindu community for photographers. Rakher Upobash, also known as Kartik Brati or Kartik Puja, is a religious festival celebrated by the Hindu community during the month of Kartik (October to November).

Devotees observe a month-long fast and engage in various religious activities during Rakher Upobash. The festival culminates with a grand celebration on the last day of Kartik, known as the Purnima (full moon) night. Devotees gather at temples, to worship and offer prayers. The lighting of oil lamps, known as diyas, is a central element of Rakher Upovas. Devotees light multiple diyas and place them around the temple premises, creating a mesmerizing visual display. The lamps are arranged in intricate patterns, and devotees move them in circular motions as a part of the rituals. Devotees engage in devotional singing and chanting of prayers and hymns dedicated to Baba Loknath, Lord Shiva, Lord Krishna, and other deities. The atmosphere is filled with the melodious sounds of bhajans (devotional songs) and mantras. While attending the festival, we will have to consider the following do’s and don’ts without fail…

• • Arrive early to the temple or celebration venue to capture the preparations and rituals before the main event.
  • Capture candid moments of devotees as they arrive, light lamps, offer prayers and participate in religious ceremonies.
  • Focus on details like the lighting of oil lamps (diyas) and the traditional attire of the devotees, which add a vibrant visual element to your photographs.
  • When photographing people, seek permission before taking their pictures, especially during intimate moments of prayer or reflection.
  • Respect the sanctity of the religious rituals and maintain a respectful distance. Avoid using flash or any intrusive photography techniques that may disrupt the atmosphere.
  • Pay attention to the overall ambiance of the festival. Capture the dimly lit surroundings, the soft glow of the oil lamps, and the mesmerizing sight of multiple lamps illuminating the temple or worship area.
  • Experiment with long exposure photography to capture the trails of light created by the lamps as devotees move them in circular patterns.
  • Focus on capturing the emotions and expressions of the devotees as they engage in prayer, sing devotional songs, or participate in religious processions.
  • Look for candid moments that reflect devotion, joy, reflection, and the sense of community during the festival.
  • Pay attention to the intricate details and decorations within the temple or worship area. Capture close-up shots of the beautifully adorned idols, floral arrangements, and traditional ornaments.
  • Look for interesting compositions using the lamps, incense sticks, and other elements associated with the festival.
  • After the first day of the festival, we will review your photographs and guide you for any improvement if needed.
  • We will help you in post-processing techniques that enhance the colors, mood, and details while maintaining the authenticity of the event.

DAY-1 (04/11/2024) Arrival

Meeting point :

1200 Hrs at Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka
Heading to pre-booked hotel in Dhaka. Post lunch we will have an introductory session and a formal get together.

DAY-2 (05/11/2024)

Early in the morning, we will leave for the shooting of one of the biggest wholesale market of Bangladesh, The Karwan Bazar where we will explore the daily life of this busiest market area where people deals with raw vegetables, fish, chicken, fruits and many other things. Later we will visit the nearby railway tracks where we can shoot the biggest fish cutting market in action on both the sides of an active railway track. Later after lunch, we will move to Swamibaug Lokenath Temple of Dhaka to shoot the grandeur of Rakher Upobash festival.

DAY-3 (06/11/2024) 

Early in the morning we will leave for Brahmanbari to shoot the picturesque paddy processing procedure which is nearly a four hours journey. Later we will explore the lively Kamalpur Railway Station to shoot portrait inside the open window of typical Bangladeshi train. Will come back to Dhaka and stay overnight.

DAY-4 (07/11/2024) 

Today after breakfast we will explore the beautiful formations of boats at the Ghat of river Buriganga & then go inside the ship breaking and making dockyard of Keraniganj where we can get the ship breaking, painting, propeller casting and many other interesting shooting opportunities. Later after lunch, we will explore the streets of old dhaka of its narrow lanes and old buildings that bears the testimony of the ruling of Mughals and the British.

DAY-5 (08/11/2024) 

This morning we will move to Banaripara crossing the Padma river which is again a four hours journey by road. Reaching there, will hire a boat to go to the river body where we would witness the biggest floating market of fruit and vegetable. The journey itself is a memory too cherish for ever. Later in the afternoon, we will visit the famous Baitul Aman Jame Masjid on our way back. The shooting here will depend upon the permission from the authority.

DAY-6 (09/11/2024) 

Today is the final day of our shoot. After breakfast, we will move to Narayanganj to spot the Brickfield, Railway Station and other important places over there. After lunch, we will move to Barodi for the shoot of Rakher Upobash. Will be back to Dhaka for overnight stay.

 

 

DAY-7 (10/11/2024) Departure

We will complete our tour after the breakfast today. A common dropping to the airport will be done for the onward journey of all the participants.

Bangladesh presents photographers with a myriad of opportunities to capture the beauty of its rural landscapes, the energy of its urban areas, and the unique lives of its people. Whether you’re drawn to the tranquil countryside, vibrant city streets, architectural wonders, or cultural festivals, the country offers a canvas of visual experiences waiting to be captured through your lens.

Starting from 05th Nov morning to 09th Nov evening, we will cover such various pictorial places of rural and urban Bangladesh and will capture people at their day-to-day work.
The places and events to be covered during these days are…