Carved in Devotion:

The Buddha, Bodhisattvas, Jatakas, and Stupas of Gandhara

SUBMIT YOUR PHOTOGRAPHS

The Silk Road Centre invites photographers to explore the spiritual depth and artistic richness of Pakistan’s Buddhist heritage. Through images of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas sculptures, Jataka reliefs, and stupa architecture, participants are encouraged to capture how devotion, storytelling, and artistic mastery were carved into stone in the Gandhara region of Pakistan.

Come forward! Showcase your photographic vision to illuminate the historical and spiritual significance of Gandhara.

 

THEMES

Entries must focus on Gandharan Buddhist heritage of Pakistan, including:

·       Buddha and Bodhisattva sculptures

·       Reliefs depicting the life of the Buddha and Jataka narratives

·       Stupas

 

ENTRY GUIDELINES

1. 1. Photographs must be original work captured by the participant.
   2. Photographs must be taken and submitted in high resolution (minimum 8 megapixels).
   3. Accepted formats: JPEG, JPG, or PNG.
   4. Selected photographers may be asked to provide RAW files for authentication.
   5. Only minor adjustments (burning, color correction, cropping) are permitted. Heavy manipulation may result in disqualification.
   6. Maximum of four color photographs per participant.

JUDGING CRITERIA

Entries will be evaluated based on:

1. 1. Relevance: Clear focus on the Buddha and Bodhisattvas sculptures, Jataka reliefs, or stupas of Gandhara.
   2. Creativity: Images should reflect the creative vision of the photographer conveying devotion, symbolism, and artistic mastery of the subject.
   3. Visual and Technical Quality: Effective use of light, framing, focus, perspective, and overall composition.
   4. Genuineness and Originality: Must be an original image giving a fresh perspective of the subject.
   5. Caption and Description: Each submission must include date, location and a 50-word description of the subject.

 

HOW TO ENTER

Submit your entries online latest by March 8, 2026.

Selected photographs will be showcased at the International Conference and Gandhara Festival with acknowledgement to the photographers.