Soul of Kashi Photography Exhibition Opens in Lucknow, Showcases Timeless Varanasi
The vibrant hues and spiritual essence of Kashi, also known as Varanasi, are now on magnificent display at the Kokoro Art Gallery in Lucknow. A captivating photography exhibition titled 'Soul of Kashi' commenced on Thursday, offering a profound visual journey into one of India's oldest living cities. Curated by Prof Vandana Sehgal, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture and Planning at Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University, the exhibition will be accessible to the public from Friday until March 20, operating daily from 11 am to 7 pm.
Exhibition Details and Curatorial Vision
Featuring the exceptional work of photographer Shailendra Kumar, this exhibition presents a collection of 22 photographs meticulously captured between 1984 and 2026. Prof Vandana Sehgal, in her commendation of the showcase, emphasized that visitors will be granted a unique opportunity to witness the timeless soul of Kashi. The photographs vividly portray its daunting ghats, the beautiful skyline, and the bustling streets that define the city's character.
Major Attractions and Thematic Highlights
A dedicated section focusing on 'Bhasma Holi' stands out as a major attraction within the exhibition. These powerful images depict ash-smeared ascetics, swirling clouds of sacred bhasma, and facial expressions suspended in a delicate balance between trance and celebration, capturing the intense spiritual fervor of the ritual.
The exhibition extends beyond religious ceremonies to encompass the daily rhythms of life along the Ganges. Key photographic subjects include:
- Devotees taking a holy dip in the Ganga, symbolizing purification and faith.
- Geometrical patterns formed by sunlight as it filters through intricate temple motifs and reflects off the riverbed, creating mesmerizing visual effects.
- Human activities that animate the ghats, such as boatmen skillfully navigating the waters, widows engaged in silent prayer, children flying kites with joyous abandon, and artisans meticulously crafting garlands in the city's bustling lanes.
This comprehensive portrayal not only highlights the architectural and natural beauty of Kashi but also delves into the socio-cultural fabric that makes it a living heritage site. The exhibition serves as a poignant reminder of the city's enduring spirit, blending the sacred with the mundane in a tapestry of images that resonate with depth and authenticity.
