Dholma is Her Name by Karan Zadoo

In the high-altitude, cold desert landscape of Kaza, Spiti Valley, the photographer encountered a young girl named Dholma. Captured with a 50mm lens, the portrait isolates the subject against the stark, rugged backdrop of the Western Himalayas. The image is a poignant study of childhood and cultural identity, reflecting the Buddhist traditions of the region. By focusing on the girl and her doll, the photographer creates an intimate, authentic connection that transcends the harsh environment. This portrait is award-worthy for its ability to transform a fleeting street encounter into a timeless, evocative narrative of life in one of India’s most remote regions.