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 |