23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
Trance of the divine

Amid the rhythmic beats and chants of the Kulasai festival, a woman surrenders herself to the spirit of devotion. Her body arches, her breath steadies, and her closed eyes speak of a sacred connection beyond the visible world. In that fleeting moment of trance, she becomes both seeker and vessel — embodying the intensity, faith, and power that pulse through the collective soul of the celebration.

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