The Festival Celebration Photography Contest brought together vibrant and emotionally powerful images capturing traditions, rituals, celebrations, and cultural energy from different parts of the world. From colorful festivals to deeply human moments, the contest showcased how photography can preserve the spirit and atmosphere of collective celebration.
With more than 800 submitted photographs, the winning images stood out not only for their visual impact, but also for their storytelling, timing, and emotional connection. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
1st Place — MD. Rizwanul Shams Chowdhury
MD. Rizwanul Shams Chowdhury earned first place with the photograph “Rakher Upobash”, an image filled with atmosphere, tradition, and emotional intensity. The photograph captures a ceremonial moment with strong visual layering and natural rhythm, allowing the viewer to feel immersed inside the celebration itself.
The image stands out through its powerful use of color, movement, and human expression, creating a frame that feels both documentary and cinematic at the same time.
2nd Place — Sanjeev Kumar
Sanjeev Kumar received second place for “Masaan Holi Varanasi”, a photograph that captures the raw visual energy and emotional intensity of the Holi festival. The image is filled with movement, color, and atmosphere, while still maintaining strong compositional structure.
What makes the photograph especially memorable is the balance between chaos and clarity. Despite the explosion of color and action, the frame remains focused and emotionally direct.
3rd Place — benaissa ilyes
Benaissa Ilyes earned third place with “Fantasia in Algeria 02”, a photograph that powerfully captures the drama and tradition of Algerian equestrian celebration culture. The image combines movement, timing, and atmosphere in a way that immediately pulls the viewer into the action.
The strong sense of motion and carefully captured moment give the photograph a cinematic quality while still preserving its documentary authenticity.
The Festival Celebration Photography Contest highlighted how photography can preserve not only visual beauty, but also cultural identity, tradition, and collective emotion. Each winning image offers a completely different atmosphere and perspective, yet all three photographs share the same ability to make viewers feel present inside the moment itself.
Congratulations to MD. Rizwanul Shams Chowdhury, Sanjeev Kumar, and Benaissa Ilyes for their outstanding work and well-deserved recognition. You can explore all winners and finalists on the official contest results page.
