23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
Chhat pooja near Amber Fort

A group of devotees, predominantly women draped in vibrantly colored sarees and wraps, stand partially submerged in the waters of Maota Lake, performing a ritual offering on a moody, overcast day. ​In the background, the majestic and sprawling Amber Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, rises dramatically from the surrounding Aravalli Hills, overlooking the lake. The misty weather and the reflection of the figures in the water add a sense of serene solemnity to this beautiful cultural scene in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 10.2025
Date Uploaded: 12.2025
Photo Location: Jaipur, India
Camera: NIKON Z 6_2
Copyright: © Sanjay Joshi