The Unscripted Moment of Holla Mohalla

Holla Mohalla is a festival of energy, courage, and tradition, but sometimes, the most powerful moments come unplanned. This shot was one of those moments.

As I reached the stadium, the crowd was already in place, eagerly waiting for the main event to begin. Half of them were seated in the stands, while the rest like me stood on the ground, soaking in the anticipation. The atmosphere was buzzing, filled with the sound of conversations, excitement, and the occasional distant drumbeat.

Then, out of nowhere, a fire broke out. Within seconds, thick black smoke rose into the sky, completely shifting the energy of the scene. For about two to three minutes, the sky turned dark, creating a stark contrast against the sea of people dressed in vibrant turbans and traditional attire.

I’ve always believed that some of the best shots happen in extreme conditions, whether it’s weather, lighting, or unexpected moments. This was one of those rare chances. The moment I saw the smoke rising, I instinctively framed the shot, breaking it into three layers:

1. The foreground: A blur of colorful turbans, representing the spirit and unity of the crowd.

2. The middle ground: The packed stadium stands, filled with spectators waiting for the event.

3. The background: The dark, dramatic smoke dominating the sky, creating a powerful contrast.

This wasn’t just about the fire, it was about how a sudden shift in the environment could transform an ordinary scene into something visually compelling and I knew I had to capture it before it was gone. The contrast of colors and chaos, tradition and uncertainty, made this one of my favorite shots from Holla Mohalla 2025.

Looking back, this image holds the essence of the festival: unpredictable, intense, and deeply rooted in tradition. It reminds me why I love street and festival photography because sometimes, the best frames are the ones you don’t plan for.

What do you see when you look at this shot?