In 2020, The Confluence Collective (TCC) organized an immersive Photo Tour during the Annual Cham Festival in Lachen, located in North Sikkim at an altitude of 8,858 feet. This two-day journey to one of the most remote and spiritual places in the Himalayas gave participants the unique opportunity to document a centuries-old cultural ritual, capturing not only the majesty of the Cham Dance but also the spiritual essence of the region.
The Cham Dance, held annually at the Lachen Monastery (also known as Ngodrub Choling Gonpa, established in 1858), is a revered Buddhist tradition that brings the community together in a sacred performance. Despite extreme cold weather conditions—temperatures often dipping below -5°C—the community comes together, dedicating themselves to a ritual that spans over several days, with the monks undergoing intense practice and preparation.
This photo tour was designed to provide participants with the tools to visually capture the mysticism, energy, and cultural significance of the Cham Dance, while also helping them enhance their technical photography skills.
The Photo Tour covered a range of photography techniques, from observing light and composing visually compelling images to post-production editing and sequencing. The focus was not just on taking photos but on learning how to tell stories through images.
The Photo Tour at the Annual Cham in Lachen was a profound and enriching experience for both the participants and The Confluence Collective. By providing photographers with the tools to approach cultural documentation with both technical expertise and creative insight, TCC continues its mission of preserving and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Darjeeling-Sikkim Himalayan region. The workshop successfully combined practical photography skills with cultural immersion, allowing participants to leave with not only memorable photographs but also a deeper understanding of the spiritual and social significance of the Cham Dance.
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