The Times of India has launched an exciting new photography contest titled “Taste the Lens: India on a Plate,” aimed at celebrating the rich and vibrant street food culture of India. Running throughout May 2025, this contest invites photography enthusiasts across the country to capture the essence of India’s diverse culinary heritage through the lens of street food — one of the most beloved and accessible facets of Indian culture.
Theme: Street Food Chronicles
The theme for this year’s contest is “Street Food Chronicles,” encouraging participants to showcase everything from Mumbai’s iconic vada pavs and Delhi’s spicy chaat to Kolkata’s famous jhalmuri and countless other regional specialties. The contest seeks to highlight not just the food itself but also the stories, colors, and cultural significance behind these dishes that have become an integral part of India’s gastronomic identity.
How to Participate
Participation in the contest is simple and open to all Indian residents, excluding employees of certain companies and their families. Entrants are invited to snap compelling photographs of their favorite street food items, provide a brief description or caption explaining the dish and its cultural relevance, and then share their entry on the official contest page.
Contest Duration and Winner Announcement
The contest will run daily from May 1 to May 31, 2025, between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM, allowing ample time for food lovers and photographers to participate. The winners will be announced on June 5, 2025, at 4:00 PM via official social media channels.
Entry Guidelines
One of the exciting aspects of this contest is that there is no entry fee, making it accessible to all. Multiple entries are welcome from a single participant, but only one submission per individual will be considered for the winning prize. To maintain the authenticity and originality of the contest, entries must be original photographs without branding, and images should be submitted in JPG or PNG format under 5MB. While basic photo editing is allowed, entries with excessive filters or AI-generated content may be disqualified to preserve the integrity of the contest.
Prizes and Winner Contact
Winners will receive e-gift vouchers, which will be delivered within 30 working days of the announcement. The contest organizers will contact winners via email and phone to collect necessary details for prize delivery.
More Than Just a Contest
This contest is more than just a photography competition; it is a celebration of India’s culinary diversity and the street food culture that binds communities and regions together. Through “Taste the Lens,” participants can share their unique perspectives on the flavors, colors, and stories of street food that make India a food lover’s paradise.
Why You Should Participate
For those passionate about photography and food, this is an excellent opportunity to showcase creativity, highlight local delicacies, and connect with a wider community of food enthusiasts. Interested participants are encouraged to visit the official contest page to learn more and submit their entries.
A Flavorful Journey Awaits
With the growing popularity of food photography and the enduring charm of street food, “Taste the Lens: India on a Plate” promises to be a delightful journey through India’s culinary streets — one snap at a time. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this flavorful celebration.
