Ballia: In the heart of Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, a quiet revolution is taking flight—literally. Young, tech-savvy entrepreneurs like 20-year-old Sumit Kumar are turning the age-old tradition of wedding photography into a high-tech spectacle, one drone at a time.
Sumit, a rising star in the region, has captured the imagination of locals with his creative use of drones to add a touch of modern magic to rural weddings. Starting as an assistant photographer, he quickly pivoted to drone technology, meeting the soaring demand for aerial photography. Today, his innovative services have become a staple for couples looking to make their special day unforgettable.
“Flying a drone always makes people look up—no matter how big the wedding is,” Sumit said with a grin. His drones don’t just capture breathtaking aerial shots of wedding venues; they have also become part of the celebration itself. In one memorable moment last week, Sumit’s drone lowered a garland onto a groom standing on a lotus-shaped stage. The crowd erupted in cheers as the groom gently placed the garland around his bride’s neck, while the glowing LEDs of the hovering drone added a surreal ambiance to the scene.
A Thriving Business Takes Off
The business of drone photography in Ballia is not just about artistry—it’s also highly lucrative. With charges ranging from ₹8,000 to ₹40,000 per event, depending on the complexity of the service, drone pilots like Sumit are cashing in on the wedding season. Assisted by a partner who delivers drones to venues on a motorbike, Sumit ensures smooth operations across Ballia and neighboring regions.
Local tech enthusiasts, such as Awdhesh Singh, a mobile phone store owner supplying drones and components, highlight the growing appeal. “Drones create excitement among guests and capture stunning visuals. They’re also more affordable than hiring dance troupes,” Singh noted.
While weddings remain the bread and butter for these drone operators, off-season bookings for political and religious events are becoming increasingly common. Pushkar Kumar, another drone pilot from the region, explained, “Villages are ideal for drone operations—fewer permissions and lots of enthusiasm for new technology.”
Future Prospects in a Skyrocketing Industry
The success of drone operators like Sumit and Pushkar isn’t just a local story; it reflects a national trend. India’s drone industry, valued at $2.71 billion in 2022, is projected to grow to $13 billion by 2030. Government initiatives, such as the ‘Namo Drone Didi’ program, which equips rural women with agricultural drones, are paving the way for even greater adoption of this technology.
Sumit dreams of taking his passion further. Having spent ₹15,000 on drone training at a Delhi-based academy, he is now planning to open a drone training center in Varanasi. “There’s so much potential beyond photography,” he said, envisioning applications in agriculture, logistics, and more.
For now, Sumit and his peers are content with their role as pioneers in rural wedding photography, transforming traditions with a blend of innovation and charm. Their drones are not just capturing memories—they’re making them, one soaring shot at a time.
