Worshippers and wayfarers: the people of Varanasi

• Prize
  Silver in Portraiture/Culture
• Photographer
  Mohammad Kamal, United Arab Emirates

The ascetics who live at the ghats and crematoriums of Varanasi have been extensively photographed, and are often misrepresented in cliched portraiture. This photo series attempts to see past the mystical stereotypes and capture the personalities of city’s residents, whether during spiritual practice and meditation, or in moments of interaction with the world around them.