COVID–19 Photo Competition Organized Jointly by Wedding Kathmandu and Photo Pasal Pvt. Ltd.
At a time when the entire world was gripped by fear and uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Wedding Kathmandu and Photo Pasal Pvt. Ltd. jointly organized the COVID–19 Photo Competition with the aim of raising public awareness through powerful photographic storytelling. The competition sought to spread knowledge about safety measures, the impact of the pandemic, and the lived experiences of people during lockdown—using the medium of photography.
Nepali photographers living both in Nepal and abroad, along with citizens from various walks of life, actively participated in the competition. During the lockdown, the organizers also provided photographic education and online learning sessions for participants. The results were officially announced through a live virtual program on the occasion of the 181st World Photography Day, conducted jointly by Photo Pasal Pvt. Ltd. and Wedding Kathmandu.
From a total of 509 competitive photo submissions, Jhaggu Prasad Chaudhary from Dang secured first place, while Rabin Karki from Kathmandu won second place, and Radhika Kandel from Pokhara claimed the third position.
To evaluate the photographs, a panel of three judges was formed, consisting of:
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Bikas Rauniyar – Senior Photojournalist
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Naresh Shrestha – Senior Photojournalist
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Madhusudan Paudel – Senior Journalist
Based on the collective decision of the jury, the winning photographs were selected. Considering the risk of COVID-19 transmission, the winners were announced virtually by Yogendra Jung Basnet, Chairman of Photo Pasal, and Bikram Nyaupane, Managing Director and Photographer at Photo Pasal/Wedding Kathmandu. They emphasized how the photo entries from across the nation effectively conveyed awareness messages on safety measures, daily struggles, and the emotional atmosphere during the pandemic. They also expressed gratitude to the jury members for their careful and challenging evaluation process.
Speaking at the winners’ announcement program, senior photojournalist and former Photo Editor of Kantipur Daily, Bikas Rauniyar, highlighted the significance of photography in documenting crises. He noted that the competition helped spread awareness about COVID-19 and would serve as a visual archive for future generations. He also announced the names of the Top 10 photographs, along with the first, second, and third place winners.
Similarly, jury member Naresh Shrestha remarked that photographers should continuously sharpen their skills and explore new creative possibilities. Judge Madhusudan Paudel appreciated the enthusiastic participation and stated that such initiatives by Photo Pasal would continue to inspire photographers across the country.
Representatives of various organizations also expressed their best wishes during the program. Cash prizes were awarded to the first, second, and third place winners, along with free health checkups sponsored by Samyak Diagnostic Pvt. Ltd.
The Coordinator of the 181st World Photography Day Organizing Committee, Hari Pandey, extended his gratitude to all supporting institutions. He expressed appreciation to everyone who contributed directly or indirectly to the success of the event and shared the commitment to make such initiatives even more impactful in the future.