With its long traditions and colorful costumes, India has always been an attractive center for tourists and those seeking spiritual guidance. Although the rich land is reminiscent of a gold mine for photographers, India has not seen significant numbers of large-scale photography festivals so far. These days, Goa, the country's smallest but richest state, is getting ready to introduce its first international photography festival titled GOAPHOTO. The event, which will feature the work of 19 Indian and international photographers, will present life in India through the lens. GOAPHOTO is said to be the first international curated photography festival to be held in outdoor locations throughout the city of Panaji. What makes this free festival important is that it will integrate the art of photography with the daily lives of local people. The city's open-air venues, squares and the port will be transformed into art galleries showcasing contemporary photography from Feb. 25 to March 7. The festival will bring the work of independent and professional photographers to the streets in an attempt to "democratize" cultural activities in the country. Concurrently, the events of the exhibition will feature talks, workshops, debates, meetings with curators and photographers, film screenings and open-air slideshows. GOAPHOTO aims to blend the urban landscape and architectural heritage of Panaji and the Reis Magos Heritage Centre though the carefully selected venues. The festival will spread over the city's key historical and tourist areas such as Fontainhas, Campal and the Mandovi River. Moreover, the event will allow tourists as well as art lovers to see the magic of photography while discovering the culture, traditions and history of Panaji and the whole of India.

The organizers plan to embrace a specific theme that is put forward by a curator for each edition of GOAPHOTO. This year's theme is "The Other," which will depict India through the eyes of international photographers. The selected photos will reveal different parts of India and its culture. Some photographs like the selection borrowed by the Alkazi Foundation for the Arts casts lights onto the cultural history of the country. The vintage selection documents socio-political life in India beginning from British rule until the rise of modern India. Although the festival will showcase many brilliant photos, Alexia Webster's series titled "Street Portraits," which blends the inside and outside worlds will draw the most attention. The photographer created free outdoor photo studios on street corners around South Africa and invited families, youngsters and the elderly to take their pictures. Webster will do the same thing in the city of Panaji and set up a traveling studio for local people to be documented. Offering a wide range of cultural and traditional elements, India is now becoming a focal point for photographers and art enthusiasts. GOAPHOTO invites those who want to learn more about India.