Allahabad Kumbh Mela 2013 photography

Hello, I am planning to attend the 2013 Kumbh Mela at Allahabad in February. I am an avid photographer and would like to take photos however without offending any devotees at the site. Does anyone know of restrictions about taking photos at Allahabad Kumbh Mela? Thank you!

Unless you have a press pass you will not be allowed to take photo's around the main bathing ghats. KK

Who is issuing press passess?

Google "j-visa-international-journos-and-kumbh-mela": apparently you'd need a J-Visa, ID and a letter of introduction from the organization you work for.

Check this link will help - some like minded people like you

http://www.indiamike.com/india/uttar...ad-t154899/25/

I still did not figure out: who and where is issuing press passess? Is there some official press office and how to contact them?

Looks like you need a journalist visa to start with, which takes longer to process and requires an inventory of the equipment you'll bring in if I recall correctly. There are lots of Sadu's there now or on the way so there are plenty of photo opportunities. As regards taking photos, its best to just to ask, some will ask for a donation, others won't. It might be worth getting a guide to help for the time your there

Hello,

I'm thinking of visiting the Kumbh Mela as well to take some photos.
I'm a Spanish girl, stablished in Switzerland since three weeks ago, photographer, and photography teacher.

Did you find somewhere to sleep? I'm looking for something cheap, like a dormitary or something like that, because I would like to stay aproximately from the 8th to 19th february , but this is not completely sure beacuse I don't have the plane tickets yet. I have been in India three times before.

I'm really concerned about safety with all this people around, because it's very probable that I'm travelling alone. I've seen some videos from the festival (someones almost scary!) and it's gonna be huge...

I'm trying to find as well a boat or something to be inside the whater, maybe renting a boat or something like that to be looking from the water to the shore. From the shore it is going to be so crowded that it will be difficult to take photos, and with that crowd we can also drop into the water (my camera don't know how to swim yet, lol!), I think it could be dangerous as well in the moments where most of people will be there, there's the risk of being pushed into de water.

Maybe we can share some things to make our travel cheaper and safer...

Tell me what do you think about it.

Best regards,

Sonia Villegas

See the link in post #5 above.

Try the Hare Krishna Iskcon temple, they have some accommodation set up for Kumbh Mela. Its clean and has great food.

It well be quite mental, you might need a fixer/translator to help you. This is usually ok to find but its worth trying lightstalkers.org or their Facebook group for help or contacts.

Amateur photographers do not need any permission but if you want to do some serious photography you need to contact the Kumbh Mela administration. Check their web site http://kumbhmelaallahabad.gov.in/index.aspx. Amateur photographers are also advised to refrain from taking photos of ladies bathing on the ghats.

You won't be allowed to take photo's in the bathing ghat area's unless you have a press/media pass & you risk having your camera's confiscated. KK

And what are the actual limitations amateur photographers face?

Practically no limitations so long as you do not hurt the general sensibilities of the people around you.

has anyone done photography there before? is it too crowded to remove he camera or it is manageable? any tips on locations or things to watch out for would be really appreciated.