By the Shore Exhibition Touches Hearts With Coastal Truth
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An Exhibition of Photographs by Himanshu Panchal
By the Shore is a compelling photographic exhibition by Himanshu Panchal, presenting 77 carefully curated colour prints captured along the vast and varied coastline of Gujarat. The exhibition will remain open from 19th February 2026 to 28th February 2026 at Satya Art Gallery, Navajivan Trust, between 12 noon and 9:00 pm.
Gujarat has one of the most important coastlines in India. It stretches about 1,600 kilometres and touches the Arabian Sea. This long coast connects many towns, villages, and ports. It also supports the lives of lakhs of people. Fishing is one of the main sources of income here. Gujarat is among the top fish-producing states in India. Major fishing centres like Veraval, Porbandar, and Okha send fish across the country and even abroad. Because of this, the coast is not just a place of beauty. It is also a place of hard work and survival.
With an expansive shoreline stretching approximately 1,600 kilometres, the longest coastline of any state in India, Gujarat’s coastal belt holds a rich tapestry of human stories, livelihoods, landscapes, and cultures. Yet, despite its geographical and cultural significance, much of this coastline remains sparsely photographed and underrepresented in contemporary visual narratives.
Many coastal areas in Gujarat are still simple and quiet. Some villages do not see many visitors. Life there moves with nature. People wake up early to go fishing. Boats leave before sunrise and return by afternoon. Families wait on the shore to help sort and sell the catch. Over time, these places have kept their traditions alive. However, modern cameras and media have not always reached these corners. This makes exhibitions like By the Shore very important. They help people see lives they may never see otherwise.
Since 2012, Himanshu Panchal has been documenting this region, developing a long-term photographic engagement with the coast and its people. The journey was shaped and encouraged by eminent photographer and mentor Vivek Desai, who introduced Himanshu to the discipline of sustained, subject-focused practice as a long-term project.
Long-term photography projects are not easy. They need patience and trust. A photographer must visit the same place again and again. Over time, people begin to feel comfortable. Then they allow their real life to be seen. This kind of work has been done by many respected photographers in India. Gujarat itself has a strong photography culture. Eminent photographers from the state have documented crafts, tribes, and traditions for decades. Their work now helps people understand history and culture. Mentors like Vivek Desai play an important role in guiding young photographers to see deeper and stay committed.
Exhibition Highlights
The exhibition features, in addition to select photographs, a series of small photo essays that explore:
• The daily life of small fishing communities
Fishing families follow a routine that depends on the sea. Men often go into deep waters, while women sell fish in local markets. Children grow up watching this life. In many villages, fishing knowledge passes from father to son. Boats, nets, and skills are treated with great care. But fishing is also risky. Storms and rough waves can change lives in minutes. Still, these communities show courage and strength every day.
• Wedding rituals of the Machiyara and Koli Fishermen communities
The Koli community is one of the oldest fishing communities in western India. Their weddings are full of colour and tradition. Songs, dances, and special clothes are part of the celebration. In some places, rituals are held near the sea to seek blessings. The Machiyara community also follows rich customs. These weddings are not just family events. They bring together the whole village. Such moments show joy, unity, and cultural pride.
• Pastoral communities such as the Mer community
The Mer community is known for its strong identity and history. Many Mers have lived close to nature for generations. Some worked as farmers and animal herders. They are known for their bravery and simple lifestyle. Their dress, jewellery, and homes reflect their heritage. Even today, they continue to keep their traditions alive while slowly adapting to modern life.
• Migrant labourers living and working along the coast
The coast also attracts migrant workers. Many people come from other parts of India to find work in ports, salt pans, and factories. Gujarat produces a large amount of salt, and much of it comes from coastal areas. Workers live in simple houses and work long hours. Their lives are often tough, but they come with hope for a better future. Their stories are an important part of the coastal journey.
Visitors can expect an immersive visual experience that moves beyond postcard images of the sea. By the Shore reveals the human dimensions of Gujarat’s coastline; stories of dignity, endurance, adaptation, and belonging. The exhibition brings into focus aspects of coastal life that are not readily visible to everyone, offering insight into communities whose lives are deeply intertwined with the rhythm of tides, trade, and terrain.
Photography exhibitions like this also help protect memories. As cities grow and industries expand, many old ways of life are slowly changing. Harbours are becoming modern. Young people are choosing different jobs. Traditions may fade with time. But photographs keep these moments safe. They allow future generations to see where they came from.
Satya Art Gallery at Navajivan Trust is itself a meaningful place. Navajivan Trust was founded by Mahatma Gandhi to promote learning and truth. Holding this exhibition here adds deeper value. It connects art with history and social awareness.
By the Shore is not just about the sea. It is about people, culture, and time. It reminds visitors that behind every wave, there is a human story waiting to be seen.
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