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Yi Peng lantern festival, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Yi Peng lantern festival, Chiang Mai, Thailand
As twilight descends today, Chiang Mai, Thailand"s second-largest city, will come alive with thousands of glowing lanterns for Yi Peng. Held on the full moon of the second month of the Lanna lunar calendar—a calendar that dates back to the medieval Lanna Kingdom of Northern Thailand—this celebration signifies the removal of negativity and the embrace of new beginnings. The highlight of the festival is the release of "khom loi" or "khom loy"—floating paper lanterns—into the night sky, creating a beautiful sight as the heavens fill with a sea of warm, golden lights. Locals and visitors gather around temples and palaces to send their wishes skyward, hoping for good fortune in the year to come. In addition to the lantern release, the city is adorned with vibrant parades, traditional dance performances and stunning decorations.Desktop Version
Can you name these pretty flowers?
Can you name these pretty flowers?
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Olive grove, Valle dItria, Puglia, Italy
Olive grove, Valle dItria, Puglia, Italy
Today, we"re not just offering you an olive branch—we"ve got the whole tree. Olive trees were first cultivated in the eastern Mediterranean around 8,000 years ago. From there, they were spread to the Greek islands and mainland by the Phoenicians, then further afield, reaching Spain and the western edge of the Mediterranean by around 1000 BCE. The olive branch has been a symbol of peace since ancient times, and olive trees have been grown for their oil, wood and fruit for millennia. The southern region of Puglia in Italy, seen here, has an estimated 60 million olive trees and produces about 40% of the country"s olive oil. The region has been producing olives for centuries. The oldest olive tree in Puglia, and one of the oldest in Italy, is thought to be almost 4,000 years old.Desktop Version
Val Brandet, Brescia, Lombardy, Italy
Val Brandet, Brescia, Lombardy, Italy
In the heart of Val Brandet, within the Adamello Park in Lombardy, where winter"s silence finds its voice, lies the municipality of Corteno Golgi—named after the physician and Nobel laureate Camillo Golgi, who was born here—a place that preserves memory and beauty, science and nature.Desktop Version
What’s blooming so brightly?
What’s blooming so brightly?
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Swaminarayan Akshardham, Delhi
Swaminarayan 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
Ashoka pillar, Kutagarasala Vihara, Vaishali, Bihar
Ashoka 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
Charminar, Hyderabad, Telangana
Charminar, Hyderabad, Telangana
Standing tall in the heart of Hyderabad, Telangana, is the Charminar, meaning "Four Minarets," each honouring the first four caliphs of Islam. This monument is on the eastern bank of the Musi River, with the famous Laad Bazaar to the west and the Makkah Masjid to the southwest. Built in 1591 by Sultan Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah, the Charminar is an architectural marvel shrouded in legend.Desktop Version
Van Mahotsav
Van Mahotsav
Every July, India celebrates its bond with nature through Van Mahotsav. The name comes from Sanskrit: "Van" meaning forest and "Mahotsav" meaning grand festival. This green tradition started in July 1947 by an Indian historian and botanist, Mohinder Singh Randhawa. In 1950, Kanaiyalal Maneklal Munshi, then Minister of Food and Agriculture, made it an annual event in the first week of July, officially naming it Van Mahotsav.Desktop Version
Pygmy three-toed sloth baby, Isla Escudo de Veraguas, Panama
Pygmy three-toed sloth baby, Isla Escudo de Veraguas, Panama
Pygmy three-toed sloths identified by their messy hairstyles and friendly faces might make you want to join the branch party, but these animals are not at all easy to find. Also known as the monk sloth or dwarf sloth, the species is endemic exclusively to a small island off the Caribbean coast of Panama, Isla Escudo de Veraguas. This species is significantly smaller than other kinds of sloths. They are about 50 centimetres in length and weigh between 2.5 to 3.5 kilograms. Sadly, the pygmy three-toed sloth is classified as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature"s list.Desktop Version
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California
Golden 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
Kerala
Kerala
Welcome to Kerala! From the spice gardens of Wayanad to the tea plantations of Munnar, the state"s landscape is a feast for the senses. Located along the Malabar Coast in southwestern India, Kerala is characterised by an intricate network of lakes, hill stations, brackish canals, estuaries, beaches and rivers. Featured in today"s image are the backwaters, which are a nexus of several water bodies, often likened to bayous, stretching over 900 kilometres.Desktop Version
Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand, India
Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand, India
Hold onto your hats and binoculars, because in Jim Corbett National Park, the river is no ordinary waterway—it"s an elephant expressway! India"s oldest national park was established in 1936 and named after the naturalist and conservationist Jim Corbett. Housed in the foothills of the Himalayas near the popular hill-station of Nainital, the Jim Corbett National Park is known for its significant tiger population. During the summer months, the park becomes a bustling hub of wildlife activity, with Indian elephants frequently spotted roaming in herds numbering several hundred. As part of the Terai Arc Landscape Programme, the park is among the thirteen protected areas targeted for preservation and restoration. The overarching goal of this programme is ambitious yet crucial: to safeguard three of the most iconic terrestrial species, namely the tiger, the Asian elephant and the great one-horned rhinoceros.Desktop Version
Where are these prickly pears?
Where are these prickly pears?
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Ranthambhore National Park, Rajasthan, India
Ranthambhore National Park, Rajasthan, India
Enjoy the jungle adventure captured in today"s photo, as a group of tigers strolls through Ranthambore National Park. India is the global stronghold of these robust cats, with more than 70% of the world"s tiger population finding a home within its diverse landscapes. Given the significance of these majestic species, India adopted the tiger as its national animal in April 1972, following a recommendation by the National Board for Wildlife.Desktop Version
Agra Fort, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Agra Fort, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
In the 16th century, when the tales of Mughal emperors were unfolding, the visionary Emperor Akbar commissioned modifications to the Agra Fort. This grand palace of the Mughal dynasty, strategically situated on the bank of the Yamuna River, was home to numerous ruling families. The architectural ensemble within the fort includes notable structures such as the Jahangir Mahal, a palace built for Akbar"s son, Jahangir, the Khas Mahal, a private palace for the emperor, and the Diwan-i-Am or Hall of Public Audience. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983, the Agra Fort boasts a rich historical and architectural legacy in Uttar Pradesh, making it a must-see destination near another famous monument, the Taj Mahal.Desktop Version
Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram, Tamil Nadu
Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram, Tamil Nadu
Within the Thanjavur District of Tamil Nadu, tucked away amidst the tranquil landscapes of Darasuram, Kumbakonam, is a hidden gem of Dravidian architecture—the Airavatesvara Temple. This Hindu sanctuary, constructed under the patronage of Chola Emperor Rajaraja II during the 12th century CE, holds the esteemed status of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This sacred site pays homage to the traditions of Shaktism and Vaishnavism, along with Shaivism.Desktop Version
Mysore Dasara
Mysore Dasara
Mysore Dasara is Karnataka"s grand state festival, celebrated with immense enthusiasm in the city of Mysuru. This 10-day extravaganza kicks off with nine nights of Navaratri, ending on Vijayadashami, which symbolises the triumph of good over evil. Today"s image features the centrepiece of this celebration, the majestic Mysuru Palace. This palace is illuminated every night with 100,000 lights from 7 to 10 PM for the duration of the festival. The palace grounds come to life with cultural performances showcasing Karnataka"s heritage of dance, music and art. The origins of the festival remain a mystery, but historical evidence points to its celebration during the 14th-15th century by the Vijayanagara kings. Known as Mahanavami at the time, the festival held great significance in the empire.Desktop Version
Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year
Celebrating the first new moon of the lunar calendar, millions worldwide gather to usher in the Lunar New Year, a period marked by vibrant celebrations, rich traditions and family reunions. The festivities, also known as the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year, end 15 days from now with the Lantern Festival. From envelopes to lanterns, red is the dominant colour, symbolising luck and prosperity. The streets come alive with the rhythm of drums as the dragon dance takes centre stage. This is a bird"s-eye view of the dragons—elongated puppets adorned with shimmering scales and animated by a team of dancers. The Lunar New Year is a popular time for families to reunite and is responsible for one of the largest annual human migrations in the world. Did you know that each year is linked to one of the 12 zodiac animals? 2024 heralds the Year of the Dragon, a mighty symbol of nobility, power and success.Desktop Version
A mirror reflecting natures beauty
A mirror reflecting natures beauty
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Humayuns Tomb, Delhi
Humayuns Tomb, Delhi
If walls could whisper, Humayun"s Tomb would share stories of love, legacy and beautiful artistry. This magnificent monument in Delhi, is India"s first-ever garden tomb and the final resting place of Mughal emperor Humayun. This grand structure was commissioned by Humayun"s chief consort, Bega Begum (also called Haji Begum). Determined to honour the emperor"s legacy, Bega Begum entrusted Persian architect Mirak Mirza Ghiyas with bringing her vision to reality. However, he passed away before the project"s completion, leaving his son, Sayyid Muhammad ibn Mirak Ghiyath Ud Din, to carry forward his work. Construction began in 1565, nine years after Humayun"s passing, and was completed in 1572.Desktop Version
New Years Eve!
New Years Eve!
It"s time for the final countdown! New Year"s Eve is celebrated tonight in many countries to see out the old year and hope for the promises of the new one. The traditions of different nations can be quite creative when it comes to saying farewell to the year. Celebrators in Thailand might visit a temple for good luck or watch the fireworks illuminating Phra Nakhon Khiri, also known as "holy city hill," based in the historical park of the same name. Wherever you celebrate, have a great one. See you next year!Desktop Version
Mount Hamilton, San Francisco Bay Area, California, United States
Mount Hamilton, San Francisco Bay Area, California, United States
Drive up Mount Hamilton in the Bay Area, California, United States, and immerse yourself in stunning views and rich history. Over 31-kilometre Mount Hamilton Road is part of State Route 130. It is loved by cyclists and motorcyclists for its long climbs and sparse traffic. The road, built in 1875-76, was designed to transport materials to the Lick Observatory, the world"s first permanently occupied mountaintop observatory. At the summit, standing at over 1,200 metres, you can see as far as Yosemite National Park or the Sierra Nevada on a clear day.Desktop Version
Huddled and hunting
Huddled and hunting
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Horsetail Fall, Yosemite National Park, California, USA
Horsetail Fall, Yosemite National Park, California, USA
Fancy witnessing a fiery waterfall? What might sound like an oxymoron can be found at Yosemite National Park! Horsetail Fall is a seasonal waterfall that flows during the winter and early spring months when there has been ample snowfall and a subsequent temperature warm enough to melt it. For a couple of weeks in February, if skies are clear, water is flowing and the sun shines at just the right angle, the long, slender waterfall takes on a glowing, flame-hued appearance. This phenomenon has earned the moniker "firefall," an homage to the historic Yosemite Firefall, a manmade event that was organised in the park from 1872 to 1968. Eventually, park rangers decided that dumping embers over a cliff onto the land below wasn"t the brightest idea.Desktop Version