Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
A bearded man selling tobacco

In a striking photograph captured in Jammu and Kashmir, a man dons the traditional attire of a Phiran, signifying his cultural roots within the region. His prominent beard hints at a potential religious inclination, symbolizing his connection to the majority Muslim community. Despite the prohibition on tobacco sales, the man boldly offers the banned product, a defiant act against the legal restrictions in place. What truly adds a compelling dimension to the image is the man's upward gaze. This subtle action adds a layer of complexity, evoking a sense of contemplation or perhaps even defiance against the societal norms and legal constraints. The juxtaposition of cultural traditions, religious identityand the act of selling prohibited tobacco creates a narrative of resistance, amplified by the man's traditional clothing that grounds the scene in the rich heritage of the region.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 01.2023
Date Uploaded: 11.2023
Photo Location: Srinagar, India
Copyright: © Anaum Pandit