The Marai Photo Grant 2026 is here! We are inviting participants from across South Asia — including Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, the Maldives, and Bhutan — to submit project proposals documenting how water scarcity has impacted their local communities. Applications will be open from November 17th until January 15th.

Concept for the Marai Photo Grant: "My Reality. Now."2026 Theme: Water Scarcity"My Reality. Now." reflects Shah Marai's belief in capturing the often overlooked, human side of life in Afghanistan amidst the prevailing narratives of violence and tragedy. During his tenure, Marai championed the importance of showcasing these rarely reported aspects of daily life, believing that significant stories exist beyond the headlines.

To further honour his legacy, we invite young photographers from South Asia to submit proposals for photo stories that document their urgent realities. The Marai Photo Grant 2026 seeks project proposals focusing on how water scarcity impacts daily life and communities to raise awareness of this critical issue. Apply now and let your vision be seen and heard. We look forward to seeing your work.