13th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
A bath of pain
Manjal Neerattu, which means bathing with turmeric water, is a ritual followed by the people of Chengannur, Kerala, at the Vandimala temple. Boiling the water mixed with turmeric powder they use palm leaves to whip their bodies with the boiling hot concoction. The process is said to purify the mind and body. It’s beautiful – and messy.
Photo Detail
Date Taken: | 04.2014 |
Date Uploaded: | 11.2015 |
Photo Location: | Chengannur, India |
Camera: | NIKON D7000 |
Copyright: | © Aashit Desai |