BHASMANG: The Way of The Naga Sadhus

Bandeep Singh has long been drawn to photograph subjects related to mysticism and spirituality, particularly seekers on the path of the divine. This year marks the 7th anniversary of his documentation of the Naga Sadhus. While the subject remains the same, modern technology and social media have reshaped the Kumbh Mela. Bandeep’s recent work gives an unusual peek into the life of the Naga Sadhus, who exist at the intersection of asceticism and the modern spectacle. The exhibition explores the duality between a photographer, driven by technology and the urge to capture the fleeting, and an ascetic, who renounces material attachments in pursuit of devotion. This tension between observer and observed lies at the heart of the exhibition, offering a deeper reflection on asceticism, identity, and artistic interpretation.