23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
City Of Lights

In the holy city of Varanasi, a devotee walks barefoot among rows of oil lamps during an evening ritual on the ghats. The soft glow of the diyas reflects her faith with each deliberate step, merging devotion, light, and tradition in one of India’s most sacred spaces.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 01.2025
Date Uploaded: 10.2025
Photo Location: Varanasi, India
Copyright: © Arun Kumar Nalimela
Awards
Finalist