14th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
Sounding the Conches
Conch shells raised, blasting like trumpets, announcing the commencement of the last ceremony of the month-long festival. The low-pitched, resonating sound of a conch shell (shankha) symbolizes the sacred Om, the primordial sound associated with the creation of the universe. In Hinduism, conch shells are believed to embody the god Vishnu and are a vital part of most religious ceremonies.
Photo Detail
Date Taken: | 02.2014 |
Date Uploaded: | 11.2016 |
Photo Location: | Kathmandu, Nepal |
Copyright: | © Mick Stetson |