Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
Sacred Stillness

At the break of dawn in Varanasi, the timeless ritual of offering unfolds as a devotee gently pours water back into the sacred Ganges. Bathed in the soft, golden light of sunrise, this simple yet profound gesture embodies centuries of devotion and reverence. The stillness of the river mirrors the serenity of the moment, where faith and nature intertwine in the heart of India’s holiest city. The image captures the essence of Varanasi—where the Ganges is not just a river, but a living symbol of spiritual connection, purification, and eternal flow.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 04.2024
Date Uploaded: 09.2024
Photo Location: Kolkata, India
Camera: NIKON D5600
Copyright: © Shubhodeep Roy