Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
A Symphony of Lanterns on Patenga's Waters

In the crisp October of 2023, in Bangladesh's Chattogram district, the Patenga Sea Beach unveils a nocturnal masterpiece. Anchored for the night, the lantern-lit boats with their bug-shaped silhouettes vividly resemble a gathering of fireflies, gently swaying with the rhythm of the waves. These humble vessels, the lifeblood of hardworking Southern Bangladeshi fishermen, illuminate not only the waters but also the stories of livelihoods and dreams intertwined. Navigating through the glistening labyrinth of fishing nets they've cast, these boats become an ode to the enduring spirit of those who call the sea their home, weaving the mysteries of the night into the very fabric of their maritime world.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 09.2023
Date Uploaded: 11.2023
Photo Location: Chattogram, Bangladesh
Camera: L1D-20c
Copyright: © Pinu Rahman