21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
Exploring Holiness

This photograph was taken on the banks of the Ganges River in Varanasi. Despite being considered one of the most polluted rivers globally, the Ganges holds immense spiritual significance in the Hindu religion. Every year, millions of pilgrims travel seeking the opportunity to bathe in its waters as a sacred ritual.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 10.2022
Date Uploaded: 11.2023
Photo Location: Varanasi, India
Camera: X-Pro2
Copyright: © Sergey Furman