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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
Huddled and hunting
Huddled and hunting
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The ancient ruins of Nalanda
The ancient ruins of Nalanda
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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
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
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
Shell-ebrating sea turtles
Shell-ebrating sea turtles
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Red Rocks, Sedona, Arizona, United States
Red Rocks, Sedona, Arizona, United States
Sedona, Arizona, is a place where nature, history and spirituality converge amidst stunning red rock formations. These fiery sandstone creations, part of the Schnebly Hill Formation, were shaped over millions of years during the Permian Period as sediment accumulated in an ancient sea. Over time, erosion has further sculpted Sedona"s landscapes, which now glow brilliantly at sunrise and sunset. Notable formations such as Wilson Mountain, Seven Sacred Pools and Cathedral Rock offer iconic views. Native American tribes called this region home, leaving behind awe-inspiring rock art, cliff dwellings and pueblos such as Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot.Desktop Version
Gespensterwald, Nienhagen, Germany
Gespensterwald, Nienhagen, Germany
In the coastal region of Mecklenburg-West Pomerania in Germany lies the Gespensterwald, which means "Ghost Forest," seen in today"s image. This spine-tingling forest covers about 1.8 square kilometres, with its gnarled beech, hornbeam, ash and oak trees twisting toward the sky. The salty sea air from the Baltic Sea and the moist climate contribute to the trees" distorted shapes, giving rise to the forest"s haunted moniker. Visitors experience light-hearted brushes with the supernatural, such as the crunch of dead leaves, a friendly spirit waving hello from afar or a mischievous ghost peeking from behind a tree. The strategic lighting, which casts ghostly shadows, along with the sculptures and decorations placed along the path, are elements that enhance the forest"s ghostly aura throughout the year.Desktop Version
Where are these prickly pears?
Where are these prickly pears?
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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
Maldives
Maldives
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
Gadisar Lake, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Gadisar Lake, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Long ago, in the heart of the desert, King Rawal Jaisal, the founder of Jaisalmer, envisioned a lifeline for his city. In 1156 CE, he built an artificial lake to meet the water needs of the city"s inhabitants. Thus, came into being the Gadsisar Rainwater Lake, originally named Jaisalasar Lake after its creator, Rawal Jaisal. In the 14th century, Maharawal Gadsi Singh rebuilt the lake, and it was renamed in his honour—marking a new chapter in its enduring legacy.Desktop Version
Humpback whale
Humpback whale
Who"s that in the spotlight? A humpback whale! Known for their haunting songs and acrobatic breaches, these gentle giants were once on the edge of extinction due to whaling and entanglement in fishing gear. Inhabiting oceans and seas across the globe, humpback whales prefer polar waters for feeding; they journey to tropical or subtropical regions for breeding and giving birth. Their diet predominantly consists of krill and small fish, and they employ a unique bubble-net technique to efficiently prey. Thanks to conservation efforts, their population is making a comeback, from around 5,000 in 1966 to an estimate of 135,000 today.Desktop Version
Hampi, Hospet, Karnataka
Hampi, Hospet, Karnataka
Shrouded in the mists of time, lies Karnataka"s ancient gem—Hampi. A UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in Hampi City, in the present day Vijayanagara district, it is also referred to as the Group of Monuments at Hampi. The city was the last capital of the renowned Vijayanagara empire, and its affluent rulers constructed magnificent temples and palaces here during the 14th and 16th centuries. The region is marked by the presence of the Tungabhadra River, expansive plains and rugged hill ranges including Matanga hill. The complexity and advancement of Hampi"s diverse urban, royal and religious structures are showcased in over 1600 well-preserved remnants. Some of them are Krishna temple, Narasimha, Ganesa, Hemakuta group of temples, Achyutaraya temple, Vitthala temple, Pattabhirama temple complex, Lotus Mahal and more. So don"t miss the chance to explore its fascinating archaeological treasures!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
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
Adalaj Stepwell, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Adalaj Stepwell, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Not everything majestic stands above ground—some wonders lie beneath. Just a short drive from Gandhinagar in Gujarat, the Adalaj Stepwell is one such marvel, steeped in centuries-old stories that make it one of India"s most enchanting stepwells. Built in 1498, this five-storey-deep stepwell is more than just a rainwater reservoir. According to legend, in the 15th century, Rana Veer Singh of the Vaghela dynasty began constructing a stepwell to relieve his drought-stricken kingdom. Before its completion, he was killed by Mohammed Begda, a neighbouring ruler, who seized control of the region. The Rana"s widow, Rani Roopba, agreed to marry Begda if he completed the stepwell—only to take her own life once it was finished.Desktop Version
Roques de Benet, Els Ports Natural Park, Catalonia, Spain
Roques 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
Black bear cub emerges into spring
Black bear cub emerges into spring
Welcome to the world, bear cub! After spending the first months of its life inside the den, this frizzy American black bear child may be puzzled by the outside world. The cubs are born between January and February, but they don"t leave their den until about mid-April or the beginning of May. When the young bears emerge into spring, they weigh around 2 kilograms and grow to about 35 kilograms by their first birthday. The weight of black bears—ranging between 45 and 270 kilograms in the case of adults—however, not only depends on their age, sex, and the season but is also based on the diet available in their habitation. Black bears are the only bears found in Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, USA, which provides the setting for today"s image.Desktop Version
Rhino mother and calf, Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Rhino mother and calf, Kaziranga National Park, Assam
What"s grey and grumpy looking? Of course, a rhino. Today"s image features a rhino mother with her calf in Kaziranga National Park"s expanse. The Indian rhinoceros, also known as the greater one-horned rhinoceros, is native to the Indian subcontinent. It"s the second-largest living rhinoceros species, with adult males weighing between 2.07 and 2.2 tonnes and adult females around 1.6 tonnes. These rhinos are mostly solitary, coming together only during the breeding season or when raising their young.Desktop Version
Dhamek Stupa, Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh
Dhamek Stupa, Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh
Welcome to Sarnath, home of the celebrated marvel of Buddhism—Dhamek Stupa, featured in today"s image. This structure was built on the very spot where Buddha shared his first-ever sermon with his first five disciples. Originally built in 500 CE to replace an earlier monument commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in 249 BCE, it holds a legacy as rich as its carvings. With a solid base of 28 metres in diameter and a towering height of 43.6 metres, it merges stone and brick in a design that"s both massive and intricate. The lower stonework boasts delicate floral carvings from the Gupta era, while its walls feature finely detailed depictions of humans, birds and inscriptions in the ancient Brahmi script. Although the stupa has been expanded six times over the centuries, the upper section remains unfinished. Standing before it, one can"t help but marvel at the stories it holds.Desktop Version
Pushkarni, Sri Krishna Temple, Hampi, Karnataka
Pushkarni, Sri Krishna Temple, Hampi, Karnataka
The ancient city of Hampi"s architectural brilliance is displayed in the Pushkarani water tanks. These beautifully designed tanks, with their perfectly laid stone steps, were crafted to make access to the water easy. These tanks have deep cultural significance and are highly revered. Historically, Pushkaranis were built for ritualistic temple practices or as royal amenities during the Vijayanagara Empire. In Hampi, almost every grand temple has one tank, serving both spiritual and functional purposes. The Pushkarani in front of the Sri Krishna Temple, seen in today"s image, is one of the most elegant and accessible tanks here.Desktop Version
Rama Navami
Rama Navami
Today we look up at the stunning structure of Ram Mandir at Ayodhya! The partially built Hindu temple is known as the birthplace of Lord Rama. The details of Rama"s birth are chronicled in ancient scriptures like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. According to these texts, he was born to Queen Kausalya and King Dasharatha.Desktop Version
Mangrove islands near Kundapura, Karnataka
Mangrove islands near Kundapura, Karnataka
Pictured here are mangroves, resilient shrubs or trees, thriving in the challenging environments of coastal saline or brackish waters. These shrubs, known for their intricate network of stilt roots, play a crucial ecological role. Acting as "green shields," they provide essential protection against coastal erosion and help mitigate the potentially catastrophic effects of natural calamities. Having evolved unique mechanisms to absorb additional oxygen and expel salt, they endure conditions that are fatal to most flora. Their intricate salt filtration and robust roots enable them to withstand saltwater submersion and wave impact, while thriving in the low-oxygen mud of the intertidal zone"s upper regions. Analysis of satellite imagery in 2014 has unveiled this hidden ecological treasure along Karnataka"s coast. Despite mangroves being traditionally associated with India"s east coast, Karnataka boasts a significant expanse of these vibrant saline-water ecosystems.Desktop Version