People 2nd place winner

This photograph was taken at this year's Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. Kumbh Mela is a Hindu festival and pilgrimage made once every 12 years, but this year was the Kumbh Mela's once-in-144-years event, making it the largest human gathering on earth, with 450 million attending over 45 days.

I woke before sunrise to venture out while staying at a camp on the outskirts and walked 4 miles in search of the Sadhus. This particular Sadhu had a very ethereal, otherworldly presence about him I felt.

Lela Edgar is a passionate photographer whose work spans portraiture, documentary, and cultural storytelling. Her portfolio showcases a diverse range of subjects, including intimate portraits, activism documentation, and international cultural narratives. Notably, Lela has captured compelling images of Syrian refugee art projects in Lebanon and documented the resilience of acid attack survivors in India. Her travels have also taken her to Kenya and India, where she has immersed herself in local cultures to produce evocative visual stories. Her photographs have been featured in various exhibitions and publications, reflecting her commitment to shedding light on both the extraordinary and the everyday moments of life. Through her lens, Lela aims to highlight the beauty, strength, and diversity of the human experience.