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22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
A Morning Wait: Boy Beside the Earthen Oven

As I walked through the village, I stumbled upon this touching scene of a young boy sitting quietly in their open-air kitchen. Seated beside a simple earthen oven, his eyes are filled with anticipation as he waits for his mother to return and prepare breakfast. The surroundings speak volumes of village life — with woven mats, a broom, and a few essential kitchen utensils scattered around. The textured wall behind him adds an earthy charm, reflecting the warmth and simplicity of rural living. This image captures a moment of patience, innocence, and the deep bond between a child and his mother.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 01.2024
Date Uploaded: 11.2024
Photo Location: Jhargram, India
Camera: NIKON D750
Copyright: © Debashis Mukherjee