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Oct 31, 2024Happy Diwali!

Homes sparkle with decorations, and the night sky bursts with colour as Diwali celebrations begin. Also known as "Deepavali," the name translates to "rows (avali) of lights (deepa)" in Sanskrit, capturing the essence of this festival. Widely celebrated across various religions and regions, each has its own origin story. Regardless of the countless narratives and reasons behind the festivities, the central theme remains the triumph of good over evil. For many, Diwali is a homage to Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, who is thought to be guided into the homes of devotees by the glow of lights and lamps. The day isn"t just about lights and legends—it"s also a time for enjoying moments with loved ones, exchanging gifts and sweets, indulging in delicious feasts and dressing up in new outfits. Observed worldwide, its largest celebrations outside of India occur in Leicester, United Kingdom.Desktop Version

Oct 31, 2023Füzér Castle in the Zemplén Mountains, Hungary

Hungary, a country rich with history and stunning landscapes, hosts a treasure trove of castles. From the Buda Castle in Budapest, with its opulent architecture and commanding views of the Danube, to the Eger Castle, renowned for its heroic defence against the Turks, each castle tells a unique story of battles, royalty and cultural evolution.Desktop Version

Dec 21, 2023Ljubljana, Slovenia

What a lovely city! The Slavic word "ljub" means "to love", and it serves as the prefix to Slovenia"s capital city, Ljubljana, and the Ljubljunica River that runs through it. This relatively small capital, with a population just under 300,000, was established on a trade route connecting the northern Adriatic Sea and the Danube region. To the south of the city lies the Ljubljana Marsh, the largest marsh in the country, covering 163 square kilometres. While modern buildings have cropped up on the city"s periphery, the core of town preserves its historic structures, which have ancient Roman and mediaeval elements. Examples include the Ljubljana Castle, the Triple Bridge, the Dragon Bridge and the historic Old Town. Keep an eye out while you stroll around, you might encounter the city"s symbol, the Ljubljana Dragon.Desktop Version

Dec 1, 2023Ross Sea, Antarctica

The windiest, coldest, driest and fifth-largest continent on Earth—Antarctica—was discovered in 1820. It is Earth"s southernmost continent and a pristine and forbidding wilderness, often referred to as the world"s last true frontier. From suspended clouds of ice crystals to a subglacial, iron oxide-rich lake that flows blood-red, this polar desert is full of natural wonders. Its massive ice sheet stores about 70% of the world"s fresh water. If it were to melt entirely, it could raise sea levels by over 200 feet, threatening low-lying regions worldwide. The infamous ozone layer hole is located above Antarctica, but thanks to global efforts, it is on track to close within the next 20 years.Desktop Version

Sep 11, 2024Swaminarayan Akshardham, Delhi

Today"s image features Swaminarayan Akshardham in Delhi, a tribute to yogi Swaminarayan (1781-1830), along with the avatars, deities and sages of Hinduism. This remarkable site is celebrated for its enduring essence of devotion, purity and tranquillity. Architecturally, the complex is designed according to ancient and medieval Indian architectural texts, known as the shilpa shastras. It boasts several notable attractions, including an abhishek mandap and the Sahaj Anand water show. It also has a theme garden and three immersive exhibitions: Sahajanand Darshan, which highlights core principles; Neelkanth Darshan, a film depicting Swaminarayan"s early years and Sanskruti Darshan, a cultural boat.Desktop Version

Jan 5, 2024International Ice and Snow Festival, Harbin, China

Harbin, in Heilongjiang, the northernmost province of China, welcomes an icy twist in January by opening its doors to the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival. This festival traces its origins to a humble garden party that featured ice lanterns in 1963 and has since evolved into an event where sculptors from around the world came together to create sculptures from the frozen waters of the Songhua River. This wonderland has towering castles, lanterns and intricate sculptures, all made of ice. In 2007, "Romantic Feelings," the world"s largest snow sculpture at 35 metres in height, was created here in the shape of an Olympic-themed artwork. During the evenings, multicoloured lights illuminate the translucent sculptures, adding another layer of charm. While exploring Harbin, you can try alpine skiing, and if you"re feeling brave, winter swimming in the Songhua River.Desktop Version

Nov 30, 2023Isle of Skye, Scotland, UK

Scotland"s often supernatural-seeming landscapes are suitable backgrounds for folklore and culture. The Storr—a 49-metre-tall rocky pinnacle on the Isle of Skye—is no exception, as it resembles a craggy old man when viewed from the right angle. The frequent mists and fickle weather that give Skye its mystical aura, and the ethereal beauty of this island has inspired artists, writers and travellers for centuries. The Isle of Skye isn"t just a place; it"s an enchanting experience—a journey into Scotland"s untamed soul.Desktop Version

Oct 11, 2024Wood duck, Quebec, Canada

Let"s take a moment to admire the vibrant plumage of the wood duck, photographed in Quebec, Canada. Wood ducks, like the one in today"s image, nest in tree cavities close to water and sometime take advantage of man-made boxes.Desktop Version

Mar 26, 2024Vinh Hy Bay, Vietnam

Welcome to Hang Rai, a blend of ancient rock formations and vibrant coral reefs! Also called Rai Cave, this cavern is part of the Vinh Hy Bay—enclosed by Nui Chua National Park—in the South-Central Coast region of Vietnam. The area"s natural coral reefs are surrounded by rock formations, that are carefully stacked upon each other to form a group of caves. One origin of the name "Hang Rai" or "Rai Cave" comes from otters (rai) that were occasionally seen seeking shelter in the cave. Another explanation is attributed to the abundance of rai trees in the area, whose oil was used to waterproof boats. The landscape has an awe-inspiring sight both under and above water: colourful corals for deep divers and a scenic sunset for those who like camping in the sea breeze.Desktop Version

Mar 7, 2024Roques de Benet, Els Ports Natural Park, Catalonia, Spain

Jutting into the sky above Els Ports Natural Park, the Roques de Benet are a cluster of rock formations in the Ports de Tortosa Beseit region of Catalonia, Spain. The tallest peak out of this cluster stands at an elevation of nearly 1,020 metres above sea level. Overlooking the Ebro delta, the peak offers views of streams and pine forests, with trails that lead into the mountains. The word Benet comes from Arabic, hinting at the varied past that the area has had, including both Arabic and Christian settlers. These days, the park is home to a variety of fauna, from ibex and otters, to vultures and eagles. Animals aren"t the only inhabitants of the area. The villages nestled at the base of this massif have a sense of community and still maintain their shared traditions, such as the age-old craft of using vegetable fibres to create baskets and kitchen utensils.Desktop Version

Jan 4, 2024Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California

An exemplary engineering accomplishment, the Golden Gate Bridge stands like a sentinel over the entrance to San Francisco Bay. Blanketed by the fog above the waters of the Golden Gate Strait, its towers, adorned with Art Deco elements, reach a height of 227 metres. This bridge was the result of combined efforts put in by engineer Joseph Strauss, architect Irving Marrow and many others towards connecting San Francisco to Marin County. The bridge was painted International Orange—the golden adjective refers to the sun-reflecting waters below—and was opened to the public in 1937. It wasn"t an easy vision to accomplish, especially as it was built during the Great Depression. The infrastructure investment paid off, as its construction employed thousands, contributing to both local employment and technological growth. The Golden Gate Bridge, a testament to human innovation, is a timeless masterpiece blending functionality with beauty.Desktop Version

Nov 11, 2023Chinese fishing nets in Kochi, India

As a traditional occupation in India, fishing is woven deeply into the country"s cultural and economic fabric. This is vividly exemplified in Kochi, a bustling coastal city in the southern state of Kerala. Known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea", its maritime heritage continues to be important for the residents.Desktop Version

Sep 29, 2023Sangameswara Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Nestled in the Nandyal district of Andhra Pradesh, India you will find the Sangameswara Temple. A timeless gem that attracts both spiritual seekers and history enthusiasts. This sacred Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva holds a history spanning centuries. A part of the Hindui trinity known as the Trimurti along with Brahma and Vishnu, Shiva is often referred to as the "Auspicious One", and play a major role in creating, protecting and transforming the universe. Followers of Shiva might visit this temple to pay homage, and all other travellers can immerse themselves in the allure and aura of Sangameswara Temple where history, spirituality and natural beauty seamlessly intertwine.Desktop Version

Feb 12, 2025Ashoka pillar, Kutagarasala Vihara, Vaishali, Bihar

Today, we are in the ancient city of Vaishali—one of the world"s earliest republics.Now an archaeological wonder nestled in the Vaishali district of Bihar, this site holds layers of history waiting to be explored. It served as the capital of the Vajjika League of Vrijji mahajanapada, dating all the way back to the 6th century BCE. Vaishali also played a starring role in Buddhism, as it was here that Gautama Buddha delivered his final sermon before attaining parinirvana around 483 BCE.Desktop Version

Aug 9, 2024Hang Sơn Đoòng, Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, Vietnam

In 1991, a Vietnamese logger stumbled upon something big in Vietnam"s Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park. During a jungle expedition, he found the entrance to a cave with a roaring underground river, which was later named Hang Sơn Đoòng, or "cave of the mountain river." In 2009, the British Cave Research Association led an expedition to explore the site. It was then that they realised something incredible: it was the world"s largest cave.Desktop Version

Jan 10, 2024Mylopotamos, Thessaly, Greece

Embrace the call to adventure! Explore the staircases along the Mylopotamos shoreline in the Thessaly region of Greece. Situated on the eastern coast of the mountainous Pelion peninsula in central Greece, Mylopotamos offers an enchanting fusion of verdant scenery and a secluded beach, inviting you to discover its distinctive and picturesque coastal beauty. The sinuous path to the beach winds beneath the cool shade of pine trees. Enough steps for today? Don"t worry, there"s a beach bar along the wayDesktop Version

Jan 23, 2024Maldives

With serene sandy beaches and crystal-clear water, the island country of the Maldives is located to the southwest of Sri Lanka and India. The archipelago is renowned for its seafood, lagoons and countless coconut palms. These 1,200 islands are made up of a chain of 26 atolls. Atolls are islands in the shape of rings with coral rims and lagoons in their centre. The Maldives is also home to the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve, which was granted UNESCO World Heritage Site status in June 2011. Visitors go there to spot manta rays and whale sharks and can enjoy sustainable water activities like scuba diving and surfing.Desktop Version

Oct 17, 2023Persepolis, Iran

Cuneiform, a script characterized by wedge-shaped symbols, was used in transcribing numerous languages of the Ancient Near East, which region roughly corresponds to today"s Middle East area. Its usage spanned from the early Bronze Age to the dawn of the 1st century CE. The publication of Achaemenid royal inscriptions at Persepolis—modern-day Iran—shed light again on cuneiform in the early 17th century. These inscriptions presented a mosaic of languages, a linguistic puzzle that would ultimately yield to the determined efforts of scholars in the 19th century. Unraveling the secrets of cuneiform opened a window into the past, allowing us to grasp the profound significance of this ancient script in shaping human history.Desktop Version

Jan 30, 2024Martyrs’ Day

As the nation observes Martyrs" Day on January 30th, it resonates with the echoes of sacrifice and valour. Mahatma Gandhi, a trailblazing Indian lawyer, anti-colonial nationalist and political ethicist, was assassinated on this day in 1948. He spearheaded India"s successful quest for independence from British rule.Desktop Version

Apr 11, 2024Eid al-Fitr

Rise and shine, it"s Eid al-Fitr! Pictured here is the spiritual submission of devotees at Jama Masjid, Delhi. A festival observed by Muslims worldwide, Eid al-Fitr marks the completion of the month-long fasting period of Ramadan. Ramadan holds profound significance in the Muslim religion, as it serves as a time of introspection and spiritual growth.Desktop Version

What’s blooming so brightly?

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Can you name these pretty flowers?

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Jul 16, 2024A hammock in Central Florida, USA

Imagine swaying gently under a canopy of leaves, a soft breeze coaxing you into a serene slumber while you gaze at the stars above. Invented by the Indigenous peoples of Central and South America, hammocks were called "Hamacas" and were originally woven for sleep and relaxation. Back then hammocks were made from the bark of trees, whereas now they can be made of various materials like cotton, nylon and canvas. They come in different shapes and sizes, like Nicaraguan hammocks, which are usually made of woven material with a wooden spreader bar. These sleeping swings have sailed across oceans as sailor beds, swung from the trees as forest dwellers" bedrooms and nowadays, add a touch of chill to hip outdoor retreats. They have health benefits, too; gentle rocking can improve your sleep and even relieve stress. So go ahead, jump into a hammock, and let it gently sway your worries away for a while.Desktop Version

Shell-ebrating sea turtles

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Dec 13, 2023Svolvaer, Lofoten Islands, Norway

Housed in the Arctic Circle, Norway"s Lofoten Islands are a crossroads of traditional life and modern industry. One of two towns in Lofoten, Svolvaer boasts a long history as a fishing village. Before it became a town of its own, it was part of the town of Vågan, where people lived for over 1,000 years. Beyond fishing, it also serves as a sanctuary for travellers looking for a peaceful getaway, with as many as 200,000 visitors in a single year. The traditional houses—called rorbu—are built on poles over water, and add a distinctive layer of charm to the town. These cabins were once made for travelling fishermen and have now been refurbished to meet contemporary tastes.Desktop Version

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