The name is deeply intertwined with Bengalis and their everlasting love for travel. Nestled in the northernmost part of West Bengal, this charming hill station has carved a special place in many hearts with its diverse offerings.
Since much has already been said and written about this beautiful city, and most information is readily available online, let me share my perspective—how I saw and experienced it through my lens.

Dayanita Singh’s exhibition at the National Museum, Kolkata, captured the unseen moments of legendary musicians like Ustad Zakir Hussain, Pt Bhimsen Joshi, Ustad Rashid Khan, and Pt Ajay Chakraborty. Her photographs documented their leisure, travels, and camaraderie, particularly on their rented tour bus, which became a space for ‘rewaj.’ The images revealed their humanity beyond fame, portraying joy, reflection, and deep conversations. The visit became even more emotional as Ustad Zakir Hussain had passed away the previous night. The exhibition reinforced photography’s power to preserve legacies, making it a deeply moving experience.

Embarking on the journey of art and photography has been transformative, marked by losses, gains, and countless experiences. Inspired by a mother’s wisdom on lifelong learning, diving into this world felt fresh. Initial knowledge came from YouTube, but a mentor’s guidance proved pivotal in understanding photography’s technical and emotional aspects. Facing challenges led to resilience and joy in discovery. Mastery of visual elements—line, shape, form, color, texture, space, and value—enhanced the artistic perspective. Experimentation created depth and drama in photographs. This blog series shares insights to inspire others on their artistic exploration, shedding light on the beauty and complexity of art and photography.