Volunteering with Local Lok felt like the most natural decision. The vibe instantly matched what I was looking for warm, creative, and welcoming. It felt like the perfect place to volunteer, meet new people, and build friendships that stay beyond the dorms. Shooting at Local Lok Max and working closely with the Local Lok team was honestly so much fun.
The teamwork was amazing, and their willingness to experiment with different shots and angles made everything flow so effortlessly. Meeting the host, Veronica, and shooting with her was one of the highlights. Her vision for Local Lok inspired me deeply and it echoes through the space itself and resonates beautifully in the staff.
Varanasi itself became a character in my journey. I loved sitting at the ghats early in the morning, watching the city wake up. Wandering through the narrow gallis with my camera, capturing life as it unfolded, made me feel deeply connected to the place.
One of the things that stood out the most about the city was its colour, Red. Varanasi wears this shade so naturally, from the steps and temples to the people moving through them. It feels like the city has its own palette, that makes everything feel timeless and beautifully connected.
Among the many people I met, one moment stays close to me. I met Akansha, who was staying for just one night at Local Lok. We connected instantly and ended up talking through the night about Varanasi, its culture, its architecture, everything that makes it what it is, while eating McDonald’s burgers at 11 pm. We took this photo the next morning, right before she left, as a memory of a beautifully unexpected connection.
If I could share any advice with future volunteers, it would be this: come with an open heart. Let Local Lok and Varanasi shape you. Get lost in the gallis because that’s where you’ll often find yourself, your stories, and the destination you didn’t even know you were looking for.
