Hark1karan captures Punjabi wedding dirtbike doughnuts in Southall

Photographer Hark1karan, a Londoner with Punjabi roots, captured a striking image of two brothers performing dirtbike doughnuts and burnouts on the morning of their youngest brother's wedding in Southall, west London, in March 2021. The photograph, featured in The Guardian's 'Best photograph' series, showcases everyday Punjabi culture in one of the UK's largest Punjabi communities. Hark1karan was initially in Southall to find subjects for his short documentary 'Zimmers of Southall', which focuses on elderly residents. He met the brothers, Rav and Inderjit, who fix cars, and photographed them with their vehicles—Rav on a dirt bike and Inderjit on a quad bike used for off-road riding. Their father, who passed down his passion for bikes and cars, and their mother, who offered tea and snacks, were also present. The image captures a moment of joy and tradition, blending modern vehicle culture with familial celebration.