Rakher Upobash & Candle Light Festival

Rakher Upobash & Candle Light Festival Photography Tour

Rakher Upobash , also known as Kartika Vrat, is a sacred ritual observed at Baba Loknath Ashram in Barodi, Sonargaon during the month of Kartika. Devotees gather with banana leaves, flowers, paddy-Durva grass, clay oil lamps, ghee, coconuts, milk, and fruits. As the sun sets, women and boys begin the ritual by offering milk and incense before the idol of Baba Loknath. Sitting together in rows across the open ground, they place ghee lamps on banana leaves and light as many lamps as the number of loved ones they pray for. With the ringing of bells and the sound of uludvani, hundreds of lamps illuminate the area, creating a breathtaking dance of light. Devotees observe this fast for the well-being and protection of their families, breaking the fast after the ritual.

Trip Date

Date: 13-26 February 2027,
2028 and 2028
Duration: 14 Days 13 Nights
Extension: 2-5 days extension available
Extension: More details

Tour Type & Group

Photography Tour & Workshop Small Group Maximum 8 Participants. + One Photographer Guide + One Tour Manager

Skill Level

Suitable for All Skill Levels, Novice to Advanced or Beginner to Professional Photographer.

Physical Fitness

Easy to Moderate, Suitable For Any Mature Age Level.
Candle Light Festival Photo Tour Itinerary

Day 01 : Arrival in Dhaka

Welcome to Bangladesh.

After arriving at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka an important team member of Bengal photo Tour will welcome you at the airport. upon your arrival, you will be greeted with a warm and personalized welcome, followed by a comfortable transfer in a private. Vehicle to your carefully selected, pre-booked hotel as outline in the itinerary. After completing the check-in process, a dedicated representative from Bengal photo Tour will assist you with purchasing a local SIM cand and exchanging USD dollars. Throughout your journey, our team will remain at your service, providing seamless Support for any additional requirements to ensure a smooth and Luxurious travel experience. Following this, you will be introduced. to Mr. Tanmoy das, a key representative of Bengal photo tour and your dedicated, tour guide. He will lead a comprehensive and insightful briefing, thoughtfully outlining the vision , flow, and artistic focus of the photography tour. Upon completion of the briefing, you will embark on a carefully curated street photography experience around Dhaka Capturing the city’s dynamic life, culture, and timeless moments under professional guidance .

Day 02 : Dhaka Shipyard in Bangladesh

After breakfast, we’ll wander through the bustling lanes of traditional Old Dhaka, a city steeped in centuries of history. The city of old Dhaka is centered around the Burigang River.

Here, Sight along the riverbank, countless boats lie at anchor, resembling a floating festival of water lilies upon the heart of the river. Dhaka’s largest shipyard in situated in old Dhaka. An you arrive at the dockyard by boat, you can witness a wide range of activities there. you will see the huge Skeletons of old Ships, Ship breaking, Ship repair work, and a vast collection of facilities for manufacturing welded ship components. More than fifteen thousand workers are employed in this Shipyard.

Photoshoot : Floating boats, Shipyard workers, Ship making, repairing, riverside lifestyle , Country boat.

Day 03 : Aluminum Factories, Old Machinery Parts Seller Market , Rakher Upobash & Candle Lights Festival

Aluminum factory : One of Bangladesh’s well known

In old Dhaka. aluminum factories is situated in Jinjira

In the morning, after completing breakfast, we will depart from the hotel by car and proceed toward old Dhaka, in the Southern part of the city, to visit the aluminum factory. Upon entering the factory. we will observe there men and women, young and old alike, working together. With the break of morning light, the machines come into operation, and the activity continuer

uninterrupted from morning until noon. Through the skilled hands of the workers, a wide variety of aluminum household ton utensils are carefully crafted here.

Photo shoot : Aluminum Factories, workers activities.

Nawabpur Bolt Market is a place where old vehicle parts are bought and sold. It is a busy and vibrant area with many people, making it an excellent location for street photography.

Photo shoot : Old Machinery Parts Seller Activities & Street Photography.

Candle Lights Festival in Dhaka, Loknath Temple.

After finishing the morning photo session, we will take a break for lunch. After lunch, we will leave for the Loknath Temple at Dhaka Shakti gate by the afternoon, devotees gradually gather in the Temple compound/ Temple courtyard for prayer. As the day slowly turns into evening, the air fills with the resonant ululation of thousands of devoted hearts. The Temple courtyard and becomes illuminated by the glow of countless lit lamps held by the devotees. The gentle Spirals of light and drifting incense Smoke seem to weave living portraits of devotion and faith. Stepping into thin Sacred space, you can truly feel and capture moments of profound, Spirituality- moments that lovingly preserve and celebrate the timeless Spiritual heritage of Bangladesh.

Photo Shoot: Festival Moments .

Day 04 : Fields of red : Drying Bangladesh winter quilts and Sunlight over colorful yarn

After finishing breakfast, we will depart in the early hours of the morning for a neighboring city near Dhaka. Traveling in comfort by private car, the Journey will lead us toward the serene country side.Upon arrival, a breathtaking sight awaits us- an expansive field where a rich red Carpet unfolds gracefully amid endless shades of lush green, creating an atmosphere of refined luxury and natural beauty. Hundreds of meters of bright red fabrics are laid out in  rows across a field. To the locals known as it’s “Lal shalu”. long red cloths are set out to dry under the hot sun, having been dyed with bright red colour. The use of sunlight to dry out the fabrics reduces production costs as it is cheaper and more sustainable. The eco-friendly drying method spans across an area equal to 5 football fields and takes up to 6 hours to complete after being placed by workers at sunrise.

Day 05 : Fish Market , Railway Station , Rural Colours under open Sky & Candle Light Festival,Narayanganj Loknath Temple

Fish Market: In the morning we will go to the local fish market. Various types of fish are brought to the market by river from dawn fresh fish for customers.

Railway Station: Every morning, thousands of people travel from Narayanganj to Dhaka by train.

The railway station comes alive with energy — students heading to schools and colleges, hardworking laborers starting their day, and families traveling to visit loved ones. Each platform is filled with real, unscripted stories of daily life.

This station offers countless authentic and powerful photographic moments, capturing the rhythm and emotion of Bangladesh in its purest form.  Rural colours under open sky: After that we will go to a dycing center. Here various activities of the workers can be seen. within this vibrant space, skilled artisans engage in a variety of meticulous processes.

As an essential foundation of fine garment production, vast roolls of fabric are infused with rich pigments, transformed by expert hands into an exquisite Spectrum of colors. The freshly dyed textiles, Still glistening  with moisture, are carefully carried to an open expanse , where they are laid out beneath the golden warmth of the Sun to dry naturally.

This setting offers a mesmerizing visual experience a graceful interplay of light and colour , where rows of drying fabrics create a breathtaking tapestry that captivates every visitor.

Candle Light Festival, Narayanganj Loknath Temple

Day 06 : Rural village peddy field & Rice drying process workers activities and Batik Village.

Rice drying workers activities :

Our journey this morning will take un toward the north-eastern part of Dhaka. From Dhaka we will travel a long route to reach our destination. After finishing breakfast, we will set out early in the morning for our assigned location.

Upon arrival, we will observe the processing of raw paddy, including drying, processing  and storage. To ensure high-quality rice and enable long-term preservation, the paddy in dried in several stages under bright sunlight in open arears beside the rice mill. As daylight fader, the rice in carefully covered and stored in large bamboo structures.

Batik Village :

After finishing the rice mill photo shoot, we will enter another colorful destination. Here, women and men dye cloth using traditional methods to create various types of handmade designs such as batik, tie-dye, etc wet cloths mixed with dye are taken out to an open to dry in the sun. this method is used to set the color. When these colorful clothes are left to dry on Bamboo racks or in the open field, it becomes a sea of colors . You can take a variety of aesthetic photos here using a Drone or a Camera.

Day 07 : 1st day in Cox’s Bazar

After finishing breakfast in the morning. we will take some rest in the hotel room. Then. taking our camera, bags and other necessary items, we will depart form Dhaka airport. We will be flying from Dhaka to cox’s Bazan by domestic light. It will be take us 1 hour 20 minutes to reach.

I will book a 4 star or 5 star hotel in advance.

After reaching the hotel, we will rest for a while and then go out to take pictures of the sunset and the Sampan (moon boat). After ending the photo shoot we will back to the hotel. Then you should be ‘we will have dinner at the hotel.

Day 08 : 2nd day in Cox’s Bazar

A new morning has begun for us in Cox’s Bazar today. Cox’s Bazar in the longest sea beach in the world. A variety of people livelihoods are scattered along the shores of this long beach.

We will depart between 6.00 and 6:00 am for an exclusive visit to the country’s largest marine Fishery port and wholesale seafood (fish) market.

As dawn breaks the shoreline in bathed in a warm golden glows, revealing the graceful Rhythm of local fishermen at work. Alongside the morning catch, the laughter and play of children add a charming, celebratory ambiance to the scense.

This captivating early-morning experience offers a collection of truly photogenic moments – perfectly framed for your camera and unforgettable in memory,

After capturing these moments for the morning, we will back to the hotel.

Dry Fish : After breakfast, we will rest for a while at the hotel. Then we will explore the largest dry fish village. In these costal dry- fish hamlets, more than 30,000 workers are se engaged in a time-honored craft, with women forming the heart of the workforce.

After the fishermen return from the sea with thein fresh catch, each variety of fish is carefully inspected for quality. The selected fish are then meticulously cleaned befor  being artfully arranged in neat row on traditional bamboo racks and raised platforms. Bathed in the. brilliance of the tropical sun, the fish are left to dry naturally an age-old process that blends coastal heritage with the rhythms of the sea.

Day 09 : Fishing, Salt field, Sampan Boat in cox’s Bazar

We’ll wake up very early today and have Our breakfast. Then we will leave the hotel with the necessary things and drive out. To day we will see a different and charming view of Cox’s Bazar.

In rhythm with the rolling waves of the restless sea, fisherman labor with timeless skill bringing their precious catch ashore.

Along the Sun-Kissed coastline, a vibrant celebration of harvest unfolds, as the bounty of the ocean is gathered in an atmosphere of tradition, Color and coastal charm

As we travel along the scenie, route, elegant crescent-shaped vessels – known as Sampan boats- gracefully come into view. Gently rising and falling with the rhythm of the sea, these boats glide across the open waters, offering a truly enchanting spectacle. Immersed in this serene coastal panorama, we continue our journey toward the timeless landscape of Salt cultivation. Stretching across expansive salt plains, the age-old art of salt making unfolds.

Here, pure Seawater in transformed through a natural evaporation process , marking the first stage of salt production . This traditional practice, guided by sun, water and wind, creates a striking visual harmony, where shimmering reflections capture the quiet dedication and craftramanship of workers -an experience both authentic and refined.

Day 10 : Back to Dhaka, a unseen workers Activities of the River

In the morning after finishing our breakfast, we will pack our necessary things, pack our bags and check out of the hotel. Then we will go to cox’s Bazar Airport. we will reach Dhaka by a specific flight from cox’s Bazar Airport, Upon reaching Dhaka, we will go to Amin Bazar, Saver, when you come here, you will see a gathering of daily wage laborers Bricks, sand and soil arriving by river from different pants of the country are being unloaded from small ships or trawlers. A large number of workers are involved in this process.

Day 11 : Fruits market, Brick factory, Railway station in Narayanganj, crossing the river by boat.

After finishing breakfast, we will head depart in the early morning to explore charming city just outside Dhaka. Our first stop will be the region’s vibrant wholesale fruit market, a fascinating hub of commerce where premium, produce is traded in impressive volumes. Here, you will have the opportunity to capture striking visuals of fruits arriving by traditional boats, trucks and a variety of transport vehicles – a beautiful blend of heritage and contemporary trade. The lively atmosphere offers compelling scenes of buyers negotiating, vendors presenting their finest selections, and skilled workers coordinating the seamless flow of goods. an authentic and colorful experience, elevated with a touch of elegance.

Brick factory – After finishing our morning photoshoot, we will head to an exciting place. For instance, workers at the brickfields begin their. labor even before sunrise. Men and women work side by side from morning untill evening. Some are busy preparing the clay mixture, while others carry it to be shaped into bricks. In this way, one stage of work follow another in a continuous process. If you visit this place, you will also see the railway station, the local fish market people activists, and many more scenes of everyday life.

Day 12: Green vegetable market, chicken market, Recycling factory.

After finishing breakfast , We will depart in the comfort of our private vehicle. Today’s experience take us to one of the city’s most vibrant and dynamic traditional markets. here, you’ll explore expansive wholesale sections filled with fresh daily vegetables, an impressive fish market showcasing the morning’s finest catch, and a lively chicken trading area. from the early hours, the market comes alive with an energetic atmosphere, rien colors, and authentie local charm – perfect for capturing remarkable Photographs. Following our market visit, we will proceed to a plastic recycling factory. During thin exclusive behind the scenes experience, you’ll observe how used plastic bottlers are carefully collected and transported to a deracinated processing area for recycling. Inside the factory, dedicated men and women work diligently throughout the day,

transforming discarded materials into reusable resources-offering an insightful look into sustainable. Industry practices.

Tour Cost

Double Occupancy: USD 3950/Euro 3400/GBP 2950
Single Occupancy: USD 4550/Euro 3800/GBP 3300

Note: Single travelers’ requests for a double room/double occupancy are subject to availability and the possibility of finding a companion.

Included in the Cost

Not Included in the Cost

Recommended Gear and Other Information

Type of Equipment:

For this trip, a particular photographic level is not required and it is possible to participate with any equipment. However, we recommend a minimum kit consisting of a digital camera body with interchangeable lenses to obtain the best results: all focal lengths from 18/20 mm to 200mm will be used. It is also advisable to be equipped with a photographic backpack for transporting the equipment. Don’t forget to bring your memory cards, spare batteries, charger, connection cables and a USB stick.

Drone Fly/Shooting:

Drone shooting is allowed on this trip, only a few locations are restricted. Our photo guide is a very experienced drone flyer, and he will inform and help you about it.

Dress Code:

Ladies and gents can wear short or full trousers and T-shirts/full sleeves.

Climate and Temperature:

In the destination areas of the trip, the climate in January is perfect, the best of the year: sun, warm and pleasant days, no rain, possible morning fog. Temperatures between 15-25 *C and 20-25 °C in the hottest hours.

Tanmoy Das

Documentary & Travel Photographer | Photo Tour Leader | Bangladesh

Tanmoy Das is an internationally experienced documentary and travel photographer based in Bangladesh, known for his in-depth visual narratives and long-term photographic projects.

He holds a Diploma in Photography from Pathshala South Asian Media Institute, one of Asia’s most respected institutions for documentary photography. Since 2012, Tanmoy has been professionally engaged in photography, developing a strong visual language rooted in authenticity, cultural sensitivity, and ethical storytelling.

His photographic practice focuses on human rights, climate change and environmental issues, cultural festivals, rural life, and travel photography across Bangladesh. Tanmoy’s work documents the complex relationship between people, tradition, labor, and landscape—often highlighting stories that remain unseen in mainstream media.
With over a decade of professional experience, Tanmoy has worked extensively with government ministries, NGOs, the European Union, and leading commercial organizations in Bangladesh, supplying and publishing images for communication, advocacy, and documentation purposes.

Beyond his photographic work, Tanmoy is also recognized as a professional photography tour leader and mentor, guiding international photographers across diverse regions of Bangladesh. His deep local knowledge, logistical expertise, and ethical access to communities enable visiting photographers to create meaningful and impactful visual stories.

Tanmoy has contributed to and organized national and international award-winning photography initiatives, and continues to collaborate with photographers, editors, and institutions worldwide. His work reflects a constant pursuit of visual excellence, social responsibility, and a deep respect for the human condition.

Gallery of Candle Light Festival Photography Expedition