14th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
A Bhuchen performer in the middle of a ritual dance, which involves sword play and piercing his cheeks with a thin iron rod

The Bhuchens of Pin Valley (Spiti) are wandering lamas who practice the tantric form of Buddhism. Originally from Tibet, earlier they used to travel from village to village preaching religious texts by way of theatrical performances. Today however they have settled at a small village called Khar.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 08.2014
Date Uploaded: 09.2016
Photo Location: It was taken at a village, India
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Copyright: © Mayank Soni