‘This trick is incredibly risky for him’: Ankit Ghosh’s best phone picture

TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:

"Kolkata Photographer Captures Cultural Essence of Durga Puja in Award-Nominated Image"

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AI Analysis Average Score: 6.4
These scores (0-10 scale) are generated by Truthlens AI's analysis, assessing the article's objectivity, accuracy, and transparency. Higher scores indicate better alignment with journalistic standards. Hover over chart points for metric details.

TruthLens AI Summary

Ankit Ghosh, a photographer from Kolkata, captured a striking image during the vibrant celebrations of Vijaya Dashami, marking the finale of the Durga Puja festival. Ghosh describes the festival as a 'cultural potpourri' that showcases the rich traditions of India, particularly in West Bengal where the celebrations are unparalleled. The atmosphere on this last day of the festival was filled with joy and pride as people gathered to partake in the festivities. The photograph features Ghosh's neighbor, a performer executing a dangerous trick involving kerosene, which is not commonly seen outside of special events. Ghosh notes that the performer, despite health issues related to his liver and kidneys, chose to demonstrate this risky act one last time out of passion for his craft. The image serves as a reminder of the dedication and artistry that permeates cultural celebrations in India.

Ghosh's photograph has gained recognition, being shortlisted in the youth competition of the Sony World Photography Awards 2025. He hopes that his work will evoke feelings of pride and connection among viewers, illustrating the cultural diversity that defines India and its festivals. Ghosh reflects on the vastness of the country's cultural landscape, suggesting that even a lifetime may not be sufficient to fully appreciate it. The Sony World Photography Awards exhibition, where Ghosh's image is displayed, is currently taking place at Somerset House in London and will run until May 5, offering a platform for showcasing the talents of emerging photographers from around the world.

TruthLens AI Analysis

The news article highlights a photograph taken by Ankit Ghosh during the Durga Puja festival in Kolkata, showcasing a performance that combines cultural celebration with personal risk. It emphasizes the uniqueness of this festival in West Bengal and the deep connection individuals have with their art, even in the face of health risks.

Purpose of the Article

This piece aims to celebrate cultural diversity in India, particularly through the lens of the Durga Puja festival. By focusing on Ghosh's photograph and the meaning behind it, the article seeks to evoke a sense of pride and appreciation for Indian culture among readers. The mention of the photo being shortlisted for an international award adds an element of recognition and achievement, reinforcing the significance of individual contributions to cultural heritage.

Perception Creation

The article is crafted to foster admiration for the resilience of artists within the community. By sharing the story of Ghosh's neighbor, who performs a dangerous act out of passion, it seeks to create an emotional connection with the audience. This highlights not only the beauty of the festival but also the dedication and risks taken by performers, which can resonate deeply with readers.

Potential Omissions

While the article showcases a vibrant celebration, it may downplay the potential dangers associated with such performances and the broader health implications for artists. By not fully exploring the risks faced by performers or the societal context that necessitates such performances, it might obscure the more complex realities of cultural expressions.

Manipulative Elements

The article employs a narrative that romanticizes the performance and the festival, which could be seen as manipulative. By framing the act of performing a risky trick as a noble sacrifice for art, it might divert attention from the underlying health risks and the need for safety measures. Additionally, the emotional tone could influence readers' perceptions without encouraging critical thought about the implications of such traditions.

Trustworthiness of the Article

The article appears to be reliable in terms of presenting a real event and actual individuals involved. However, its selective focus on the positive aspects of the festival and the performance may limit its objectivity. The portrayal of the subject matter is more celebratory, which can enhance its appeal but may also reduce its journalistic rigor.

Cultural Messaging

This article contributes to a narrative of cultural pride and diversity, which is particularly appealing to audiences interested in the arts and cultural heritage. It caters to those who appreciate the vibrancy of Indian festivals and the stories behind them, thus fostering a sense of connection among readers who identify with or are curious about Indian culture.

Impact on Society and Economy

The emphasis on cultural events like Durga Puja can have positive implications for local economies, especially in tourism and related industries. However, it could also highlight the need for discussions around health and safety for performers, impacting how communities approach such traditional practices in the future.

Global Context

In a broader context, the article taps into current global conversations about cultural preservation and the role of festivals in community identity. It may resonate in discussions about how cultural practices are maintained or transformed in the face of modern challenges, including health crises.

Use of AI in Writing

While it is possible that AI tools were utilized in drafting or editing the article, the specific style and emotional nuances suggest a human touch. If AI were involved, it might have influenced the narrative style to evoke stronger emotional responses or highlight cultural themes more effectively.

Conclusion on Manipulative Aspects

There are elements of manipulation in how the narrative is framed, particularly in celebrating risk-taking without addressing the potential consequences. The language used emphasizes pride and cultural richness, which could lead audiences to overlook critical discussions surrounding safety and health in cultural practices.

Unanalyzed Article Content

In a narrow lane in Kolkata, West Bengal, Ankit Ghosh paused for a moment to take this photo. Ghosh was among crowds attending Vijaya Dashami, the last day of the Durga Puja, a festival he describes as “cultural potpourri”. He says, “It’s celebrated all across India, but there is no other place to experience it better than West Bengal. As this was the grand finale, the atmosphere was one of joy, pride and celebration.”

The man in the photo is Ghosh’s neighbour. “He’s a fine performer of this trick, which you don’t see very often; it is generally saved up for special festivals and celebrations,” Ghosh says. “The liquid in the air is kerosene [paraffin], which is spat upwards through a lit matchstick to create these cloudy flames.

“It’s actually incredibly risky for him: he has ailments related to his liver and kidneys, so he’s now strictly forbidden from putting the kerosene in his mouth. But, for the love of his art, he decided to do it one last time.”

Ghosh’s picture has been shortlisted in the youth competition of the Sony WorldPhotographyawards 2025. “I hope this image will stir feelings of pride and relatability,” he adds. “It’s just a snapshot of how culturally diverse India and its festivals are. Even one lifetime isn’t enough to experience everything.”

The Sony World Photography awards exhibition is at Somerset House, London, until 5 May;worldphoto.org

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Source: The Guardian