13th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
Swasthani's Inner Sanctum

The women pray for their family's well-being, or for a good husband if they are unmarried. Before sunset, the devotees chant the sacred hymns and offer gifts to other pilgrims. When the sun sets and that day’s rituals are complete, they return to their host’s home, eat a bowl of rice and go to sleep, waking before dawn for next day of worship.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 02.2014
Date Uploaded: 12.2015
Photo Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
Copyright: © Mick Stetson