21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Hymn of the dead

This artwork illustrates the journey of every life that ascends, highlighting that not all achieve their intended destination. Despite falling short of their goal, the presence of the radiant light symbolizes the continuation of their existence in the afterlife, where their souls will be reborn in their next life. In this image, I have portrayed an Olive Ridley Turtle Hatchling which recently passed away while on its way to the ocean.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 04.2023
Date Uploaded: 11.2023
Photo Location: India
Copyright: © Pramit Karmakar