23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
Traditional Whip

Beneath a vivid blue sky, a crowd gathers in anticipation as a performer, clothed in yellow and orange, steps boldly into the heart of an age-old ritual. The dynamic energy of the scene is heightened by the sweeping movement of a symbolic whip, framing the participant within a moment of collective celebration and ancestral storytelling. This powerful depiction honours the unity, resilience, and rhythmic harmony of people whose lives are bound by shared heritage and the vibrant pulse of community festivals.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 10.2025
Date Uploaded: 10.2025
Photo Location: Kolhapur, India
Copyright: © Arun Kumar Nalimela