The much-anticipated Wiki Loves Bangla photography contest is back! Organised annually by the Wikimedia community, this international competition celebrates Bengali culture and heritage on a global scale. First launched in 2024, the Wiki Loves Bangla photography contest is making its return this year, running from March 1 to March 31.
Hosted by Bangla WikiMoitree, the event is part of the Bengali Culture and Heritage Collation Program — a collaborative initiative between Bangladesh and India aimed at preserving and promoting the rich cultural legacy of Bengal. Each edition of the Wiki Loves Bangla photography contest highlights a unique theme related to Bengali heritage. In 2024, the contest focused on Bengali cuisine, celebrating the diverse and flavorful food traditions of the region. This year’s theme, ‘Birds of Bengal,’ invites participants worldwide to submit their best photographs of birds native to the Bengal region. With no limit on the number of submissions, photographers have the opportunity to showcase the rich biodiversity of Bengal while contributing to a valuable and freely accessible digital archive.
Beyond photography, this initiative plays a crucial role in conservation, education, and research. By documenting and sharing images of Bengali birdlife, participants help create an enduring resource that supports wildlife awareness and preservation for future generations. This digital repository also serves as an important reference for researchers, students, and nature enthusiasts interested in Bengal’s unique fauna.
At the end of the competition, an esteemed international jury will review the top 100 submissions. From these, the top 10 will be selected as winners, receiving prestigious awards. The grand prize winner will take home a reward worth BDT 50,000, while the second and third-place winners will receive BDT 25,000 and BDT 15,000, respectively. Additionally, all top 10 winners will be honoured with special crests and certificates recognising their contribution.
Bangla WikiMoitree is an international network committed to preserving Bengali culture and heritage while fostering collaboration among Bengali-speaking Wikimedia communities, affiliates, and informal groups. Established in 2023, it is a joint effort by Wikimedia Bangladesh and the West Bengal Wikimedia User Group, aiming to build stronger cultural ties across borders.
Photography enthusiasts are encouraged to explore the vibrant wildlife of Bengal and contribute to this global celebration of Bangla culture through their lenses.
For more details and to participate, visit: https://w.wiki/DERr
