Kathmandu: Astounding natural beauty, rich culture and tradition, colourful festivals and architectural heritage — Nepal has always been a “photographer’s paradise”. Hundreds of images have been captured — by both Nepalis and foreigners — capturing the festive mood and atmosphere of Nepal.

The images by Scott Faiia being exhibited at the Siddhartha Art Gallery also summarises the various festivals celebrated in Kathmandu Valley.

But what sets these photos apart is that most of them show scenes that have remained unnoticed by many lensmen.

Though Faiia is a foreigner (American), he is very much familiar with Nepali tradition — he is married to a Nepali. This very combination has provided him a different perspective, which is evident in his work. In his photo of Indrajatra, Faiia has a brilliant shot of people watching the Kumari through traditional latticed windows and each one has a different expression on his/her face.

“Almost all the photographers were busy clicking Kumari’s picture when I saw this particular window,” Faiia shared.

The sadhus in his photos don’t have chillum in their hands. One sadhu is enjoying a siesta, while another naked sadhu is in conversation with a heavily dressed man.

Further his collection includes common rituals like tying scared threads and hands with scared rings, which many foreigners don’t notice.

Engineer by profession, Faiia has been to countries dealing with worst conflicts like Somalia, Sudan, Haiti and Sri Lanka. While working in such war infested countries, photography provided him “the much needed balance in life “.

Though his style includes both landscape and portrayal, he confessed that people and faces attract the photographer in him more.

After working for more than 25 years, Faiia finally decided to take a break and give more time to photography. Nepal being his second home, he started capturing simple yet divine moments of Nepali festivals for around 14 months creating a huge collection.

“The best thing about Nepal is that people are at religious places and festivals because the religious significance is still so strong. I haven’t seen this anywhere else. For instance, in Egypt daily almost 35,000 people visit the Pyramids but everyone there is either a tourist or trying to sell something to the tourists. Here everything related to the festival or religion is still alive and people are there because they want to,” expressed Faiia.

When asked, he said that Rato Machindranath jatra is his favourite one, “for the size of the chariot itself, the effort that goes into it and it goes for weeks. I went around 20 times this year and the ambience was as vibrant every time. There are things like cotton candies, henna art going on at the side, and it’s such a nice feeling.”

The beauty of this collection titled ‘Festivals of Kathmandu Valley’ is that it includes both candid shots as well as those that Faiia had planned for.

“There are some photos for which I had to work hard, like the two of Krishna Mandir which I had taken at dusk and at four in the morning during Krishna Janmaasthami. But there are some which are more of spur of the moment pictures.”

The exhibition is on till May 29.