In a strikingly unembellished portrayal of the festival Matam, Kanika Nagpal’s photo-story titled ‘Sectarian Offspring’ attempts to scratch the surface of conventional traditions, and focus her lens on the children being exposed to the demands of their religions; often evoking a sense of heartfelt empathy for them.

The photographer attempts to condense her picture portrayal into words:

“Children are a fresh canvas of thought. Being underdeveloped on where they stand in the world in terms of critical choice, their learning curve is partially directed in shadows of sectarian parental faith. Exposed to religious demonstration at an early age, their lives are guided by an offspring blind faith and self mutilation. With the perspective of intuitive reasoning I would like to address the question of premature individual choice and religious indoctrination of children through these portraits.”

The story illustrates the participation of young children in a procession that is built around the idea of mourning; exhibiting acts of lamentation in a physical display of chest beating and self-inflicted injury. In many ways, the pictures address the highly sensitive issue of religious dogma on shaping children’s strong held beliefs about the moral fabric of their actions.

Scroll down to see photographs from the project:

Photographer: Kanika Nagpal

Website: www.SleepyMaggie.com

Photoblog: www.adiparapeachpink.blogspot.in