Rohan Acharya | 98 Shots

Between Two Worlds

This PhotoVoice project follows Rohan, a Nepalese-American, as he reflects on his summer in Nepal through 35mm film photos. The project captures the contrasts between communal life in Nepal, Through family, weddings, traditions, and more. Rohan explores the struggle of balancing two identities, the bittersweet connection to his heritage, and the search for belonging between two cultures. Through these stories, we see his journey of cultural assimilation and family ties across two worlds.

Through PhotoVoice, Rohan reflected on his cultural identity and shows the unique journey he faces as a Nepalese-American. Before Rohan's trip to Nepal, We set out a goal to explore and capture contrast between his life in the U.S. and the communal, tradition-rich life he experiences in Nepal. I gave him a film camera with, each with a specific meaning, to help document these special moments—weddings, family gatherings, and daily life. By capturing these moments, Rohan wanted to highlight the strengths and differences of family bonds in Nepal.

We aimed to show a way to show the authentic side of Nepal—beyond stereotypes—and to create a visual representation of the bittersweet emotions that come with leaving behind family and community. Below you will see how Rohan reflect on his roots, preserve his connection to his culture, and explore how he can maintain relationships in Nepal while living in the U.S.

What is PhotoVoice?

PhotoVoice is a sociological method that uses photography to capture personal experiences and give a voice to social and cultural issues. For Rohan, we implemented our own unique way of the essence of film as a way to visually express his journey. Each image in this project has been thoughtfully captured and expressed with me and Rohan to represent not just a trip, but the feelings and cultural significance behind it. PhotoVoice allows Rohan to explore his identity and the struggles, offering viewers a more intimate look into his experiences and the authenticity of film.

Reunion with Animesh and Shovhan: Family Ties and Cultural Bond

This photo captures a significant moment during a traditional Nepalese wedding, highlighting the bond between Rohan and his cousins as they reunite, Meeting for the first time in years. The wedding serves not only as a celebration of marriage but also as a moment of reconnection and family unity. The traditional Nepalese clothing worn by the men, including the Dhaka topi (a traditional hat) and the daura surwal (the formal shirt), we talked about the importance of cultural customs and formal events in bringing family together.

For Rohan, this is the first time in years he has reconnected with his cousins, In particular, the cousin on the left, Shovhan, who is closest in age to Rohan and studying biology, reflects the shared aspirations and personal journeys that cousins often bond over. The cousin on the right, Animesh, represents another important cultural dynamic: the tradition of families finding spouses for their children, with a saying in Nepal that if someone younger marries first, it brings social pressure on the older sibling to marry soon. We found a contrast between traditional expectations in Nepal and the more individual choices found in Western cultures.

Through this photo, Rohan expressed his sfamily connection and tradition, while also hinting at the personal complexities of navigating two different cultural expectations (Nepalese and American).

Roots of Community: The Heart of a Nepali Marketplace

This photo captures the vibrant hustle of a traditional market in Nepal, where local vendors display a variety of fresh vegetables on the street. This picture shows people walking, talking, and engaging in daily commerce. Unlike the more structured and formal marketplaces in the U.S., this bustling marketplace is informal, organic, and centered on face-to-face interactions between vendors and buyers.

For Rohan, this image speaks to the deep-rooted traditions of communal living and the importance of local markets in sustaining both economic and social ties. The market is not just a place to buy food, but a gathering spot where neighbors meet and relationships are made. The locally grown produce is an key part of daily living in Nepal.

New Love: Raj and Bitu

This photo of Raj and Bitu, taken after their wedding, highlights the cultural importance of arranged marriages in Nepal. Bitu’s red chura (bracelet) symbolizes marital happiness, and her mala (necklace) represents blessings. Their marriage was arranged by Raj’s father after a fortune teller predicted that if Raj didn’t marry by age 25, he wouldn’t marry until 35. Unlike in the U.S., where marriages are based on personal choice, arranged marriages in Nepal focus on family involvement and tradition. Raj and Bitu, both from the Brahman caste, reflect the significance of marriage as a union of not just individuals, but also families, preserving cultural and social continuity.

Rohan's Grandparents: Laxmi and Sabitra

This photo of Rohan’s grandparents standing in front of the house where Rohan grew up holds deep emotional and cultural significance. Taken the day before Rohan left Nepal, it captures the bittersweet emotions of saying goodbye. Theirs so much love and connection betweenRohan and his grandparents.

Rohan returned to the village to spend time with his grandparents. The visit was an opportunity for Rohan to reconnect, talk, and share memories with them. This image symbolizes the deep respect Nepali culture holds for elders, viewing aging as an honorable process where grandparents are integral to family life and traditions. Grandparents often pass down values and traditions through love and care, not necessarily in religious ways, but through cultural rituals like coming-of-age ceremonies and food as a love language.

In Nepali society, elders like Rohan’s grandparents are respected and valued for their wisdom, and the term “Buwa” (for grandfather) reflects the honor they hold in the family. Rohan’s return to see them was a way to honor these traditions, even as time takes its toll on their age.

Connections: The Women Who Bind the Family

This photo shows Rohan’s aunts, including his mom with her sisters and Animesh’s mother, all dressed in traditional red saris, symbolizing love and prosperity. The gold jewelry and attire reflect the pride and joy of participating in a Nepali wedding, where family bonds are central. These women have grown up with Raj and came together to celebrate this important milestone, showing the strong sense of family and tradition that plays a vital role in Nepali culture.

Reflection: Guided by Roots

This photo captures a meaningful moment with Rohan’s cousin, Bivek, who is someone Rohan looks up to. Bivek is studying at the hospital where Rohan was born at. In this image, Bivek has taken Rohan to Namaste Jharna, a serene waterfall that symbolizes peace and the beauty of nature in Nepal.

This moment is more than just sightseeing activity, it is a reflection of the bond between Rohan and his cousin. By bringing Rohan to this waterfall, Bivek shows a space to reflect on his roots and appreciate the natural beauty of Nepal.

This photo symbolizes both a personal and cultural connection, reminding Rohan of the ties to his birthplace and his family, while embracing the natural beauty of Nepal.

Blessings of Tradition: A Family’s Love Through Tika

This photo captures a special moment of a traditional blessing, as Rohan receives a Tika from a family member, symbolizing love, protection, and good fortune. The red Tika, made of rice, yogurt, and red dye, is a common part of Nepali ceremonies, especially during festivals or significant events. The act of giving Tika signifies the family’s bond and well-wishes for Rohan’s future.

This pictures shows the cultural connection between Rohan and his family, where such blessings are a way of maintaining traditions, even as time passes and family members grow older or live far apart. The warm, intimate setting highlights the importance of family in Rohan’s life and their role in guiding and supporting him.

Through PhotoVoice, Rohan worked with me to observe the contrasts between life in Nepal and America. The wedding and time with his cousins showed us the importance of family connections and tradition in Nepal. This project allowed reflection on the weight of missing out on growing up his family in Nepal. He observed the relaxed, family-centered work life in Nepal compared to the fast-paced, individualistic focus in the U.S., deepening his understanding of cultural assimilation. We noticed differences in education, where Nepalese students face more pressure with exams, while American education offers more freedom. This experience made him reflect on balancing both worlds and maintaining connections despite the cultural gap. He also recognized the need to break stigmas around mental health in Nepal, a topic less openly discussed than in the U.S. Through it all, Rohan gained a deeper understanding of his identity and the value of preserving his cultural roots.

“As someone who grew up in America after immigrating from Nepal, this project reflects my deep connection to Nepali culture. It offers an insider’s glimpse into Nepal’s communal life, where neighbors and family are tightly knit—a window into what my life might have been..”

- Rohan Acharya

By: Kenny Ko

Photography & Visual Storytelling: Rohan Acharya

Project Concept & Direction: Kenny Ko

Interview & Reflection Guidance: Kenny Ko

Cultural Insight & Storytelling: Rohan Acharya

Editing & Compilation: Kenny Ko

The PhotoVoice project "Between Two Worlds" was conducted by giving Rohan a film camera to document his journey in Nepal, capturing moments that reflect family, community, and cultural traditions. I guided Rohan in choosing key moments to photograph, representing a unique aspect of his experience. In addition to photography, I conducted multiple interviews to dive deeper into Rohan’s reflections on identity, cultural assimilation, and his connection to both Nepal and the U.S. Through thoughtful discussion and photo analysis, we compiled these stories into a cohesive narrative, bringing visual and sociological elements together. The final project showcases the powerful intersection of personal experience and cultural insight.