MAHE Announces National Photography Contest & Exhibition 2026

Manipal, August 3, 2026: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, has announced "MeghMalhar”, a national photography contest inviting photographers, storytellers, students, and creative enthusiasts from across India to celebrate the beauty, emotions, and environmental significance of the monsoon through fascinating visual narratives and short stories.

The contest aims to promote photography as a powerful medium for storytelling, celebrate India's rich monsoon heritage, and encourage meaningful conversations on environmental sustainability.

The contest features two distinct categories. The flagship "MeghMalhar" category is open to participants from across the country under the theme "Fun and Fury of Rain," encouraging photographers to capture the monsoon's diverse moods, from its breathtaking beauty and life-giving presence to its dramatic intensity and transformative impact on nature and society.   Student photographers from across India are warmly invited to compete in this category as well, with special prizes reserved exclusively for them.

The second category, "My MAHE, My Campus," is exclusively open to MAHE students, faculty, and staff across all MAHE campuses. Participants are invited to document the vibrant campus life, unique experiences, architectural beauty, cultural diversity, and monsoon moments that define the MAHE community.

The competition offers attractive cash prizes across both categories.

MeghMalhar (Open for All)

• First Prize: ₹25,000

• Second Prize: ₹15,000

• Third Prize: ₹10,000

• Five Certificates of Merit: ₹2,000 each

Special Student Awards (MeghMalhar Category)

• First Prize: ₹5,000

• Second Prize: ₹3,000

• Third Prize: ₹2,000

• Five Certificates of Merit: ₹1,000 each

My MAHE, My Campus (MAHE Students, Faculty and Staff)

• First Prize: ₹5,000

• Second Prize: ₹3,000

• Third Prize: ₹2,000

• Five Certificates of Merit: ₹1,000 each

Participants are encouraged to submit original photographs and short stories that portray the many dimensions of the monsoon, including dramatic landscapes, environmental transformations, human experiences, cultural traditions, agricultural practices, festivals, and moments that highlight the enduring relationship between people and the rains.

The submission window will remain open till August 31, 2026. An eminent jury comprising distinguished photographers and media professionals will evaluate all entries. Selected works will be showcased at the Photography Exhibition 2026 on September 17 in Manipal, providing audiences with a platform to experience outstanding visual narratives celebrating India's monsoon season. 

Registration details, eligibility criteria, submission guidelines, contest rules, and exhibition information are available on the official website and social media platforms. This event is organised in association with Manipal Institute of Communication (MIC), Manipal, and Udayavani, one of the prominent Kannada dailies.

For registration, please click the link:  https://mahe.fotosalons.in/ For any queries, feel free to contact us at meghmalhar2026.mahe@manipal.edu