23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
Eternal Silence at Dawn

In the quiet blue hour before sunrise, a lone devotee offers water to the holy Ganges. This ritual, known as 'Arghya', is a gesture of gratitude to the river and the rising sun. A moment of peace before the ancient city wakes up.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 04.2024
Date Uploaded: 12.2025
Photo Location: VARANASI, India
Camera: NIKON D5600
Copyright: © Shubhodeep Roy