top of page

Koli Holi 2025 - Street Photography Workshop

Physical Workshops

12 - 14 March 2025 (10 participants max)

Koli Holi Square Poster.jpg

INTRODUCTION

When one thinks of Holi, the first images that usually come to mind are from places in North India (Vrindavan, Mathura) that are swarmed with photographers and colors. But Holi is celebrated in countless ways across India.

​

For example, the festival of Holi is of great significance for the Koli community of Maharashtra and Mumbai and in some of the fishing villages, it is for 15 days starting from the next day of Mahashivratri. The community believes that Holi is closely related to fishing as the sea experiences the highest tide after the Holi purnima. The Kolis offer the ash produced from the holika dahan to the sea with a belief that it calms the sea and helps them get a good catch in the fishing season.

​

The Kolis celebrate Holi to worship fire by burning branches of castor, mango and jamun trees before lighting up the holika. In some of the Koli localities in Worli, Colaba and Vasai, the festival is celebrated by burning branches of areca nut trees. The community worships their boats on the next day of holika dahan by decorating it and draping a saree around it as well as offering fish and country-made liquor to their boats.

​

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


If you are a passionate photographer who would like to experience of a different side of a well-known festival, join our photography workshop during the Koli Holi. 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 various festivals across India will provide you with the right tips to ensure a fruitful experience.

​​​

From witnessing interesting processions to documenting the joy 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.
 
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 Koli Holi photography workshop in Mumbai.

​​​

Koli Holi 2.jpg
DSCF6581.jpg
 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 learn how to take pictures at night with and without flash.

  • 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. A good pair of shoes.

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

  3. On the morning of the 14th, keep some plastic covers for your camera to protect it from the water. A shower cap can do the trick.

  4. Videoconferencing via Google Meet for the theory session.

Koli Holi 3.jpg

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 about the festival. 

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

​

Day 1 (12/03/2025) - 5PM until late evening

  • Meeting at the Worli Fishing village early evening (5PM)​

  • Walk around the village to document the preparations before the celebrations.

  • Document the processions and other festivities. 

  • We will have a late dinner after we complete our shooting so, please carry some snacks with you.
     

Day 2 (13/03/2025) – 5PM until late evening.

  • Meeting at the entrance of the Versova Fishing Village early evening (5PM).

  • We will walk around the village to document the activities that take place in the village.

  • As we near the start of the Holika Dahan, we will witness people getting ready before the processions.

  • Document the processions and the lighting up of the Holika. 

  • We will have a late dinner after we complete our shooting.

​

​Day 3 (14/03/2025) Morning until noon

  • We will meet at the Worli Fishing Village in the morning (~8-ish).​​

  • We will walk in the bylanes of the village and capture the regular activities that happen during the morning of Holi (people playing with colors and water).
     

At a later date (to be confirmed), we will meet again virtually for a review session of the images taken during this workshop.​​

Koli Holi 1.jpg

​​

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS

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

This ensures that the mentors will have enough 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.

​​​​

PRICE

  • INR 15000 (Indian residents)

  • US$ 300 (International participants)​
     

Accommodation 

The participants are responsible for their accommodation in Mumbai.​

​​

What's included?

  • Workshop tuition charges

​​​​

What's excluded?

  • Travel to Mumbai

  • Dinner

  • Local Accommodation

  • Transportation to the meeting points.

​​​

PAYMENT

  • For local residents:

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

  • For international participants only:

​

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

Koli Holi 8.JPG
bottom of page