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Oct 19, 2023Durga Puja

Durga Puja is a Hindu festival spanning ten days, according to the Hindu calendar. Devotees set up pandals and display huge idols of Goddess Durga along with Saraswati, Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha and Kartikeya. Durga can be seen defeating the demon Mahishasura, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. Each year, as the festival approaches, the atmosphere of Kolkata undergoes a transformation as communities come together to celebrate. Months ahead of the festival artisans construct exquisite idols of the goddess, after which they are meticulously adorned with vibrant clothing as well as jewellery. In December 2021, the United Nations recognised Durga Puja in Kolkata as part of the world"s cultural heritage. It"s now listed as an "Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity" by UNESCO. On the last day of the festival, the clay idols are immersed in the same river from which the earth was sourced along with the beating of drums.Desktop Version

Jan 2, 2024Prayer flags in Phobjikha Valley, Bhutan

This kaleidoscopic column is a series of prayer flags, blown by the breeze in the Phobjikha Valley, Bhutan. Prayer flags are most commonly hung along a line with five repeating colours, each representing an element in nature. The fluttering fabrics, inscribed with spiritual scripts, are usually raised during times of prosperity, such as on Bhutan"s Nyinlong, their traditional day of solstice, which takes place today. As the flags fade over time, adherents believe this signifies that the prayers have been heard and are being carried away by the wind, infusing the surrounding area with positivity and spirituality. As we see them wave, we can remember that in these dark winter months, there"s literally a brighter tomorrow.Desktop Version

Dec 6, 2023Palolem beach, Goa, India

The Indian state of Goa is renowned for its pristine coastline and serene waters. Among its many gems, Palolem Beach is a mile-long crescent-shaped beach lined with swaying palm trees and colourful houses. Busiest between November and March, the mix of foreign tourists and local fishermen in the adjacent village creates a unique blend of cultures. Palolem is also famous for the diverse activities it offers, including yoga sessions, silent discos and exciting dolphin-spotting excursions. This coastal paradise is the perfect spot for a seaside retreat, offering a range of experiences to cater to every visitor"s preferences.Desktop Version

Mar 17, 2024Rameshwaram harbour

Get ready to explore the offbeat charm of Rameswaram Island! Occupying a significant position between peninsular India and Sri Lanka, this island, also known as Pamban Island, is within the Adam"s Bridge (Ram Setu) archipelago. As the second-largest island in the region, it is anchored by the pilgrimage hub of Rameswaram, a bustling town steeped in spiritual significance. Here, spanning across the waters of the Indian Ocean, Pamban Bridge is a vital railway link, connecting the town of Mandapam on mainland India with Rameswaram on the Island. Another wonder covered in today"s snapshot is the quaint town of Dhanushkodi, situated in the embrace of Rameswaram island. This town attracts travellers with its rich history and natural splendour. Once a well inhabited place, it is now a ghost town, though its weather-beaten ruins still make it a must-visit tourist destination.Desktop Version

Celebrating Guru Nanak Gurpurab

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Dare to delve into this dense swamp

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Nov 23, 2023Victoria Memorial, Kolkata, India

Kolkata"s Victoria Memorial is a symbol of the city"s rich heritage. Designed by Sir William Emerson and built in the honour of Queen Victoria, it is housed amidst many gardens on the premises of the memorial. The building is much more than just a repository of history, it is a cultural centre, with galleries housing an extensive collection of paintings, manuscripts and artefacts. A perfect example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, it hosts an elegant white marble façade, adorned with delicate sculptures and a soaring central dome. Its fusion of British, Mughal, Venetian, Egyptian and Deccan influences, constructed with white Makrana marble.Desktop Version

Feb 17, 2024Kailasa temple in Ellora caves

Kailasa temple in Ellora Caves near the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, is celebrated for its colossal size, intricate stone architecture and artistic finesse evident in its sculpture. This temple stretches along a basalt cliff for over two kilometres and is intricately carved. Towering above the surrounding landscape, the sanctuary"s peak reaches an impressive height of 32 metres above the court below. A legend weaves through the stones of Ellora, recounting the tale of a king from Alajapura. After being miraculously cured from a terrible illness by a sacred bath, the king and his queen pledged to construct a temple in honour of Lord Shiva.Desktop Version

Sep 3, 2024Crystal Lake in the Enchantments, Washington, United States

Pictured in today"s image, Crystal Lake is in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in Washington, United States. The Enchantments is more than 24 kilometres southwest of the charming Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth. It"s considered one of the Cascade Range"s most stunning areas. The Enchantments is home to more than 700 lakes and ponds and some of the best rock climbing in the Western United States. It"s also home to mountain goats, ptarmigan, pikas and numerous types of alpine flowers. If you want to see Alpine Lakes Wilderness yourself, however, be prepared to wait. Few permits are granted for day hikes, and of the 40,000 people who entered last year"s lottery for overnight permits, only 2,558 received one.Desktop Version

Oct 21, 2023Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur

As the sun sets, casting a warm glow on the city of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India, a magical view unfolds. Amidst this scene stands Mehrangarh Fort, housed atop a rocky hill. This fort was the seat of power for the Rathore dynasty, witnessing both victory and challenges. The current architecture was developed over 500 years, starting with its foundation by then-ruler Rao Jodha in 1459.Desktop Version

Jan 3, 2024Virupaksha temple, Hampi, Karnataka

In the heart of Hampi, on the bank of the Tungabhadra River, the Virupaksha Temple is a stunning stone-crafted structure and the centerpiece of Vijayanagara, India. The temple is a complex combination of intricate Dravidian and Vijayanagara architectural styles, showcasing finely carved pillars, ornate mandapas and a towering gopuram. The superstructure was constructed from brick and mortar, with numerous captivating stucco figures adorning the exterior of the first tier. While there is intricate detail up close, a bit of distance showcases the full spectacle of the building. A highlight of the temple is the Hampi Bazaar—a street market that leads to the temple"s entrance. This lively place is lined with various stalls reminiscent of the historic trade and commerce that flourished in the area.Desktop Version

Oct 25, 2024Golden Temple, Amritsar

Glistening like a jewel under the sun, the Golden Temple is not just a place of worship—it"s an experience for the soul. A gurudwara in Amritsar, Punjab, it is also known as Sri Darbar Sahib or Sri Harmandir Sahib. The site"s journey began in 1577, when Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru, completed the man-made pool surrounding the temple. Fast forward to 1604, and it was the fifth Guru, Guru Arjan, who placed the sacred Adi Granth within the temple, shaping its spiritual significance. Despite facing destruction multiple times at the hands of Mughal and Afghan invaders, the Sikhs showed resilience, rebuilding the temple each time.Desktop Version

Mar 1, 2024The holy city of Varanasi

Known for its sacred ghats and bustling alleys, Varanasi is a city on the banks of the Ganges in the northern part of India. Located about 120 kilometres downstream from Prayagraj, at the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers, it is a major pilgrimage site for Hindu spirituality and tradition. The mighty Ganges is said to have originated in Lord Shiva"s hair and grown into the revered river that flows through Varanasi today. Along with Sarnath, the city has stood as a venerable centre of education and civilisation for over three millennia. Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya founded the largest university in Asia, the Banaras Hindu University in this city, and the Theosophical Society, led by Annie Besant, also operated in Varanasi. Rightly referred to as the cultural capital of India, Varanasi continues to be a thriving platform for the flourishing of various artistic endeavours, including music, dance and philosophy.Desktop Version

Jan 18, 2025Dunes at White Sands National Park, New Mexico, United States

Today"s image features the dazzling beauty of White Sands National Park, New Mexico—a surreal expanse of glistening white gypsum dunes, the largest of its kind on Earth. Spanning more than 550 square kilometres, these ever-shifting dunes rise up to 18 metres tall, creating a landscape not seen in many places. This park isn"t only a natural wonder but a historical treasure, with fossilised human footprints dating back as far as 23,000 years, some of the oldest in North America.Desktop Version

Dec 9, 2023India gate, New Delhi, India

India Gate, a grand war memorial in New Delhi designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, commemorates the Indian soldiers who lost their lives during World War I. It features the names of the more than 13,500 soldiers who fell on the Northwestern Frontier in 1919. Under the gate is the eternal flame, known as the Amar Jawan Jyoti, which honours the unknown soldiers of the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War. The India Gate was unveiled in 1931 by the Duke of Connaught. The 42-metre-high arch, reminiscent of the Parisian Arc de Triomphe, stands at the end of the Rajpath, connecting it with the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The memorial has become a symbol of national unity and a site for various commemorations, including Republic Day parades.Desktop Version

Jul 2, 2025Spine-cheeked anemonefish

That bright fish hiding in the anemone? That"s the spine-cheeked anemonefish, or the maroon clownfish, and it is not just a cute creature. Native to the Indo-Pacific, from western Indonesia to Taiwan and the Great Barrier Reef, this species lives on the edges of coral reefs. This fish is easily distinguished by the spine extending from each cheek—hence the name. Groups of spine-cheeked anemonefish form around a single dominant female, and if she disappears, the top male steps up—literally changing sex to take her place. It thrives in warm, shallow waters and sticks close to its chosen sea anemone. The closest marine companion of a spine-cheeked anemonefish is the bubble-tip anemone, as seen in the image. These anemones don"t all look alike—their appearances often vary with age, depth and whether they host anemonefish. This species offers the perfect mix of cover and protection.Desktop Version

The harmony between land and sun

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Jan 7, 2024Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve, Australia

These aren"t your ordinary rocks! One of the oldest known religious locations, the Devils Marbles, holds significant value for Aboriginal Australians as an ancient sacred site. Today, the Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve—also called Karlu Karlu—in the Northern Territory of Australia preserves the collection of giant, round, gravity-defying boulders. These rocks are composed of granite, and their peculiar shape is the result of millions of years of weathering and erosion. Lunar sample 14321, or "Big Bertha," has been dated to be approximately 4.46 billion years old—just a smidge younger than the Earth itself—and was recovered from the moon during the Apollo 14 mission. Scientists believe that the rock was a meteorite from Earth that hit the moon, and then we brought it all the way back, millions of years later. Whether you"re a geology nerd or just a casual nature lover, embrace the minerals around you and rock on!Desktop Version

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